Sudden cardiac arrest deaths in young people examined in new report
8 reported
A Guardian Australia report examines the impact of sudden cardiac arrest on young people, highlighting cases of seemingly healthy individuals who died unexpectedly. The article focuses on 23-year-old Alexandra Thoms, who died in her sleep on August 27, 2023, from an undetected arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. It also details the survival of 12-year-old Xavier Arruzza, who collapsed at soccer training in August 2024 and was revived with a defibrillator. The report notes that sudden cardiac arrest kills millions worldwide each year, with a 90% fatality rate. In Australia, studies suggest one person under 35 experiences a sudden cardiac arrest every day, with most dying. The article cites experts who say research is underfunded and public awareness low, even in the medical community.
What’s reported
Alexandra Thoms, 23, died in her sleep on August 27, 2023, from undetected arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.
Xavier Arruzza, then 12, collapsed at soccer training in August 2024 and was revived with CPR and a defibrillator.
Sudden cardiac arrest kills millions worldwide each year; fatality rate is 90%.
In Australia, studies suggest one person under 35 experiences sudden cardiac arrest daily; most die.
In the UK, at least 12 seemingly healthy people aged 35 and under die weekly from undiagnosed heart conditions.
In the US, about 2,000 people under 25 die each year from sudden cardiac arrest.
About 40% of fatal cases in young people have no obvious cause found at autopsy.
About one-third of sudden cardiac deaths occur while people are sleeping.
Key figures
Alexandra Thoms, 23-year-old who died from sudden cardiac arrest
Gordon Thoms, Alexandra's father
Bronwyn Thoms, Alexandra's mother
André La Gerche, academic cardiologist and head of the Heart Laboratory
Elizabeth Paratz, cardiologist at St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research
Belinda Gray, director of the genetic heart disease clinic at Royal Prince Alfred hospital
Xavier Arruzza, 14-year-old who survived sudden cardiac arrest
Rose Arruzza, Xavier's mother
Nick Beashel, trained volunteer who performed CPR
Angelo Tilocca, Heartbeat of Football board member
Andy Paschalidis, sports broadcaster and founder of Heartbeat of Football
Christian Eriksen, Danish footballer who survived sudden cardiac arrest in 2021 and collapsed again in 2026
Sources: The Guardian
