Teenage rugby player, 15, dies hours after being rushed to hospital with viral infection | The Sun

A TEEN rugby player has died just hours after being rushed to hospital with a viral infection.

Joseph Gardiner from Pyle, South Wales passed away aged just 15 on July 31.

Family friend Adam Brooke said it it's believed an undiagnosed heart defect contributed to his death after he was rushed to hospital with a viral infection.

Speaking on behalf of the family, he said Joseph had been in good spirits in hospital – but just a short time later he suffered a heart attack.

Mr Brooke explained: "What [Joseph's family] have found out now is that he has had a heart defect since birth but nobody ever knew about it because he was never ill.

"Apparently this virus attacks the heart. If he didn't have the heart problem it would have just been a cough or a cold that would usually be fine but because of this heart condition [it was more serious]."

He added: "It has just hit everyone for six. He was 15, fit and well, he was a talented rugby player.

"He was being chosen for the Welsh boys this year – an absolutely amazing rugby player, really talented. Nobody can believe it."

Joseph was recently named Pyle RFC player of the year and was the captain of the under-16s team.

In a message on their Facebook page, Pyle RFC Mini & Junior Rugby said: "It is with our deepest sorrow and huge shock that we as a club announce the tragic loss of our under-16s captain Joseph Gardiner.

Most read in The Sun

"We have lost a gifted, hardworking young man whose contagious charm and eagerness to volunteer his time to others was a remarkable quality.

"The rugby community will sincerely miss Joe. Sending our heartfelt condolences to Helen, John, and the family."

Mr Brooke has started a fundraiser to help the teenager's family with funeral costs.

In just 48 hours it has already raised more than £8,300.

Source: Read Full Article