Fit Dad Wakes Up in a Panic, What Happens Next Is Heartbreaking!

In a heartbreaking turn of events, a 33-year-old father, Gregory Carr, passed away unexpectedly after waking in the early morning hours experiencing what appeared to be a panic attack. The young solicitor, who lived in Atherton, Wigan, left behind a fiancée, Rachael Cartwright, and their young son. His sudden passing on May 8 has left his family devastated and searching for answers.

Described by loved ones as “fit and healthy,” Greg led an active lifestyle, frequently playing football and going to the gym. He neither smoked nor drank excessively and was a devoted partner and father, loved deeply by those around him. His fiancée, Rachael, recounted the tragic sequence of events in court, saying, “It was around 6am. I originally thought he was having a panic attack or a nightmare. I was trying to calm him down for a couple of seconds and then I realised there was more to it.”

After he stopped responding, Rachael called emergency services and attempted CPR until the ambulance arrived. Greg was transported to Royal Bolton Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead after suffering cardiac arrest. An inquest held at Bolton Coroners’ Court recently confirmed the cause of his passing as Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS), a condition that causes unexpected cardiac arrest in seemingly healthy individuals.

The family revealed that Greg had mentioned experiencing chest pain in recent months, which he had attributed to work-related stress. Assistant Coroner Pemberton expressed condolences to his family during the inquest, acknowledging the profound loss they are enduring. “It’s clear to me that Greg was a committed partner, a committed father, and a much-loved son,” Pemberton said, offering words of support for the family as they try to move forward.

SADS, or Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome, refers to a group of genetic heart conditions that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, often without prior warning. Although Dr. Patrick Waugh, a consultant pathologist, found no abnormalities in Greg’s heart, he confirmed that the cause was cardiac in origin. Professor Mary Sheppard, a specialist in sudden cardiac death, added that Greg’s heart was “structurally normal,” intensifying the mystery of his passing.

The family is now pursuing further genetic testing to uncover any hereditary conditions that could have caused Greg’s sudden death. In partnership with the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), they have established a fund to raise awareness about SADS, hoping to prevent similar tragedies in other families. In Greg’s honor, Bolton Lads and Girls Club has also started an annual nine-a-side football match, celebrating his memory and his passion for sports.

According to medical experts, warning signs of SADS can include fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath, especially during physical activity. People with a family history of SADS or similar conditions are encouraged to consult healthcare providers to determine if genetic testing is appropriate. “If someone in your family has sudden arrhythmic death syndrome,” experts advise, “check with your healthcare provider about having others in your family tested for the genetic mutation.”

Families with a history of SADS may also consider training in CPR and having an automatic external defibrillator (AED) on hand, as these tools can improve survival chances in emergency situations.