28-Year-Old Medical Student Dies from Cardiac Arrest: Raising Awareness for Brugada Syndrome

It’s every family’s worst nightmare—the sudden, unexplained loss of a loved one. For Abby Cullimore, that nightmare became a reality when her 28-year-old husband, Brenan, tragically died of cardiac arrest after collapsing during a casual basketball game with friends. This sudden and devastating loss would not only change her life but also motivate her to raise awareness about Brugada syndrome, a rare and often misunderstood genetic condition that contributed to Brenan’s untimely death.

The Shocking Collapse: A Fateful Game of Basketball

On March 5, 2025, Brenan Cullimore, a bright 28-year-old medical student with dreams of becoming a surgeon, was enjoying a friendly game of pick-up basketball with friends. He suddenly felt faint and, moments later, collapsed on the court.

As Abby recalls, “What I’ve been told is he suddenly said, ‘I’m feeling dizzy,’ and then he laid down. He lost consciousness almost immediately after.”

His friends, panicked but quick-thinking, immediately called 911. While waiting for paramedics to arrive, they didn’t receive instructions for CPR but decided to begin chest compressions themselves. They performed compressions for 15 minutes until medical personnel arrived and rushed him to the hospital. Unfortunately, Brenan was already in cardiac arrest, a serious medical emergency that can result in death if not treated immediately.

Cardiac arrest is the sudden and unexpected loss of heart function, often caused by a malfunction in the heart’s electrical system. This results in the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively, depriving the brain and other vital organs of oxygen.

The Battle to Save Brenan: A Heartbreaking Outcome

Abby, a nurse practitioner, immediately knew the gravity of the situation when she arrived at the hospital. “I know what it means when you don’t get someone’s heart rate back, and you start to think about how much oxygen isn’t going into their body,” she explained. The medical team continued chest compressions, but after 45 minutes without success, Abby was told her husband was in critical condition.

Doctors placed Brenan on an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) machine, a device used to support patients whose hearts and lungs are failing. At first, there was a small flicker of hope as Brenan’s heart rhythm returned, albeit weakly.

But the next day, his condition took a devastating turn. His blood pressure continued to drop, and an EEG revealed no signs of brain activity. Two days later, doctors confirmed there was no hope for recovery, and Abby made the heart-wrenching decision to remove him from life support.

The Unknown Cause: Brugada Syndrome

Before his tragic collapse, Brenan had recently learned from his parents that he had a genetic heart condition called Brugada syndrome. This rare condition affects the heart’s electrical system, causing irregular rhythms—specifically ventricular fibrillation—which can lead to sudden cardiac death. It is especially dangerous because it can go unnoticed without proper screening, and many individuals with the syndrome show no symptoms until a life-threatening event occurs.

Brugada syndrome is rare, and its symptoms are often not understood by those who have it, including Brenan. “It’s frustrating,” Abby shared. “Brenan was a very intelligent person, and he would have listened to the advice doctors gave him if they had only provided it. But he wasn’t properly educated about what having Brugada syndrome truly meant for his health.”

A Life Cut Short: The Painful Aftermath

Brenan’s sudden passing left Abby devastated. Just a few months before his death, the couple had gotten married in October 2023. Brenan had recently enrolled in medical school and was thriving, admired by both his peers and patients for his passion and kind heart.

“He was doing so well in medical school,” Abby recalled. “Patients loved him because of his personality. He was going to be an amazing surgeon. It’s just the worst pain I could have ever imagined.”

But in the face of this unimaginable grief, Abby found strength. She knew that she couldn’t let her husband’s death be in vain.

“I want to stop this from happening to someone else,” Abby said. “If I can use my pain and his story to raise awareness about Brugada syndrome, then I’ll feel like we’re doing something positive.”

Raising Awareness: The Importance of Education and CPR

In the wake of her loss, Abby has made it her mission to raise awareness of Brugada syndrome and educate others about the importance of CPR. “It’s crucial that people understand that having access to defibrillators in places where people play sports should be a no-brainer,” she emphasized. “And more people should be trained in CPR. It’s something that could save someone’s life.”

Her story highlights the need for increased education on rare conditions like Brugada syndrome, and she encourages families to have conversations with their doctors about screening and testing for hereditary heart conditions.

Furthermore, Abby urges people to consider the role of CPR training in saving lives, especially in public places like gyms, sports courts, and other recreational areas. She believes that even if people are not trained medical professionals, knowing how to act in an emergency can make the difference between life and death.

A Family’s Mission: Keeping Brenan’s Spirit Alive

Abby and Brenan’s family are using their grief to fuel a greater purpose. They hope to keep Brenan’s spirit alive by never stopping the conversation about his life, his passions, and the importance of understanding genetic heart conditions.

“We want to honor him,” Abby said. “We’ll never stop talking about him. He was just so amazing, and if we can help even one person by sharing his story, then it’s worth it.”

Brenan’s sudden death has turned into a call to action for Abby, and she’s determined to make a difference in honor of her late husband.

Takeaways: How Brugada Syndrome Can Impact Your Life

Brugada syndrome is a rare genetic heart condition that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. Its symptoms are often subtle, and many people with the condition don’t know they have it.
Early diagnosis is key. If you have a family history of sudden cardiac death or other heart conditions, ask your doctor about screening for Brugada syndrome.
CPR can save lives. Consider getting trained, especially if you spend time in environments like gyms, sports courts, or other public spaces.
Defibrillators should be readily accessible in places where people engage in physical activity. Make sure you know where they are, and don’t hesitate to use them in emergencies.

FAQs: Understanding Brugada Syndrome and Cardiac Arrest

What is Brugada syndrome? Brugada syndrome is a rare inherited condition that affects the heart’s electrical system, causing dangerous irregular heart rhythms that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.
What are the symptoms of Brugada syndrome? Many people with Brugada syndrome don’t show any symptoms until a serious event occurs, like fainting or sudden cardiac arrest. It is often diagnosed during routine screenings or when someone has a family history of heart conditions.
How can Brugada syndrome be diagnosed? A genetic test or an electrocardiogram (ECG) can help diagnose Brugada syndrome, especially in those with a family history of heart problems.
How can CPR help during cardiac arrest? CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) can help maintain blood circulation and oxygenation until medical help arrives, significantly improving the chances of survival in cardiac arrest cases.
Why is it important to have defibrillators in public places? Having defibrillators accessible in public spaces like gyms or sports courts can dramatically increase the chances of survival for someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. They can restore the heart’s rhythm and prevent death.
Can Brugada syndrome be treated? While there is no cure for Brugada syndrome, it can be managed with the help of a defibrillator or medications to regulate heart rhythms. Regular follow-up with a cardiologist is essential for those with the condition.

Abby’s advocacy and her emotional journey offer a powerful reminder: life is precious, and sometimes it’s the smallest actions—like learning CPR or understanding heart health—that can save lives.