Basketball Player Justin Hardy Cause of Death
After a year in which he refused to let a stage 4 cancer diagnosis get in the way, Washington University student-athlete Justin Hardy died on Sunday morning.
He was diagnosed in April 2021, completed a summer internship, tutored students in the fall, graduated a semester early, and recovered from 50 pounds of weight loss in order to play collegiate basketball a year earlier than scheduled.
In the town of St. Charles, Illinois, Hardy had just turned 22.
Hardy got an award in New Orleans during Final Four weekend in early April, surrounded by family, teammates, and coaches, to commemorate a year of success.
The United States Basketball Writers Association awarded Hardy the Perry Wallace Most Courageous Award for his refusal to let a terminal diagnosis derail his immediate plans.
In New Orleans, Hardy gave a noteworthy acceptance speech summarizing his mental approach, which helped him overcome the physical challenges.
Hardy, who was also a Bears basketball player, earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration in December. UA All-First Team honors were bestowed upon him for his performance on the court, as he finished second on the team in scoring.
A team in Division III of the NCAA Tournament was inspired by his fight against cancer. His sister, Jackie, a Washington University student, was astounded by his tenacity.
