Former Buford High School Football Player Josh Cardiello Died From Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Leaving Wife and Daughter!

Joshua died just 4 and half years after his brother died from the same cause i.e., cardiac arrest.

January 7, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on January 7, 2026

A beloved son, father, and friend, Joshua Gerard Cardiello from Buford, Georgia, passed away on January 5, 2026, at the age of 30.

Reportedly, he suffered sudden cardiac arrest around 5:30 a.m. while playing basketball.

Tragically, Joshua took his last breath 4 and a half years after his younger brother Jacob “Jake” Allen Cardiello passed away from the same reason, i.e., cardiac arrest.

Meanwhile, his sudden demise has left a void in his family, friends, and loved ones.

Joshua Gerard Cardiello is survived by his wife of 2 years, Allison Frazier Cardiello, and daughter, Amelia Cardiello.

The couple tied the knot on April 29, 2026, and welcomed their daughter Amelia in 2026.

Allison broke her silence on his sudden demise, expressing her grief in raw words, writing:

On Monday morning at 6:25 a.m., I held my best friend’s hand while an ER doctor called his time of death. I’m still in shock—numb, sad, angry, and in disbelief that this is all real. Losing Josh has been the hardest thing I’ve ever been through, and all I can think about is what Amelia’s future will look like.

Similarly, she also thanked everyone who kept the family in prayers and helped in every way possible.

“Thank you to everyone who has reached out, brought food, helped in any way, or kept us in your thoughts and prayers. I need them more than ever right now.” She wrote.

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He was a beloved son to his parents, father Jay Cardiello, his mother Kerri, and her husband Bryan O’Kelley.

Jay, a grieving father who lost two sons to cardiac arrest, said he will honor them by advocating for cardiovascular treatments. He wrote:

I will channel my grief and pain into honoring my beloved sons Josh and Jacob and advocate for national mandated genetic testing at birth, scheduled heart screening throughout childhood and any innovations and advancements for effective cardiovascular treatments!

Joshua also leaves behind his grandfather, Larry Reis, mother-in-law, Rhonda Buford, step-siblings, Ashley (Matt) Cash, and Hunter (Brea) O’Kelley.

Besides his brother Jacob Allen Cardiello, Joshua was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Karen Cardiello and Linda Reis.

Born on March 24, 1995, in Houston, Texas, Joshua was a 2013 graduate of Buford High School. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Joshua was a star football player at Buford High School and helped lead Buford High to three state championships, and even signed with Georgia as a football player on a full scholarship in 2013.

He continued his football at the University of Tennessee, becoming a third-year starter before wrapping up his college career on the field.

After college, Josh got a chance to chase the dream a little further when he took part in rookie camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Football stayed close to his heart in other ways, too. He was a huge Georgia Bulldogs supporter and held season tickets for UGA games for years.

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Besides football, Joshua enjoyed golfing, playing tennis with his friends, and spending time with his beautiful daughter.

Josh built a good career for himself working at Amgen Pharmaceuticals Company.

“He was deeply passionate about the pharmaceutical industry and the purposeful work he did informing and supporting healthcare professionals,” his father Jay wrote.

A visitation for friends with the family is scheduled for Friday, January 9, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 pm. at First Baptist Church, Buford, again on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 2:00 p.m. at the Church.

A Funeral Service officiated by Pastor Stephen Fountain is scheduled on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Buford, Georgia.

During this challenging time, we pray for Joshua’s wife, daughter, parents, friends, colleagues, and extended family.

Rest Easy, Joshua Cardiello!

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Aditi is an avid music lover whose interest's goes beyond the realm of music, with passion in digital marketing. A Gen Z who loves her personal space and is keen to exploring new things. An optimist who seeks silver lining in every circumstances life throws at her.

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