AWS Elemental CEO Sam Blackman, 41, dies after suffering cardiac event

Sad news, indeed.

The cause of death is only mentioned in the headline. In fact, the article says:

> It’s not clear exactly what happened to Blackman, who just opened a new Portland office for AWS Elemental last week and was planning business trips for the next few weeks, according to emails we exchanged at the end of last week. Blackman’s family is asking the company and investors to refrain from commenting publicly, but GeekWire confirmed the sad news with a person familiar with Blackman and AWS Elemental.

More the point, what level of stress was the fellow under. Higher stress level can cause all sorts of problems and it's not hard for the heart to give out under these circumstances. Especially, in those who appear fit and healthy.

There appears to be an increasing number of reports of fit and healthy youngsters (in their forties) who are just keeling over for no apparent reason.

It is a sad thing to lose a father/husband/son or mother/wife/daughter to such circumstances.

Sad.

Since there's no details, the likely causes include HCM, aortic dissection (Marfan syndrome) and vfib. AED availability, doppler ultrasound and Marfan screening can be life-saving. It's important to do autopsies and publicly or anonymously release cause(s) of death in an effort to prevent deaths of others.