 A teenage rugby captain died just hours after visiting his GP complaining of a shortness of breath. Joseph Gardiner, 15, had contracted a viral infection and suffered a heart attack after being admitted to hospital by his GP. His devastated family said they believe Joseph was suffering from an undiagnosed heart condition and the virus triggered the fatal attack. Joseph's dad, John Gardiner, wrote on Facebook: 'It is with a sad heart that mine and Helen's baby Joseph passed away today with his family around him. Blessed to have known such a wonderful and pleasant young man and have as a son. 'God bless and fly high young man love you forever.' Family friend Adam Brooke said: 'It completely came out of the blue – there was no prior warning or anything. 'What they 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. His devastated family believe Joseph was suffering from an undiagnosed heart condition and the virus triggered the heart attack (Picture: Wales News Service) '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.' Joseph, who had seven siblings, was captain of Pyle under 16s team in Bridgend, South Wales, and had been named the team's player of the year. Mr Brooke said: '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.' A fundraiser has been launched to support Joseph's family and has already raised more than £8,300. Joseph, who had seven siblings, was captain of Pyle under 16s team in Bridgend(Picture: Wales News Service) Mr Brooke said: 'The family is going to be struggling so as a community the only thing we coul){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
A teenage rugby captain died just hours after visiting his GP complaining of a shortness of breath.
Joseph Gardiner, 15, had contracted a viral infection and suffered a heart attack after being admitted to hospital by his GP.
His devastated family said they believe Joseph was suffering from an undiagnosed heart condition and the virus triggered the fatal attack.
Joseph’s dad, John Gardiner, wrote on Facebook: ‘It is with a sad heart that mine and Helen’s baby Joseph passed away today with his family around him. Blessed to have known such a wonderful and pleasant young man and have as a son.