Brenan Cullimore, a medical student at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, passed away tragically on March 8, 2025, nearly two years after marrying Abby Cullimore.
A native of Utah, Brenan Cullimore, 28, was a medical student in his third year, dreaming of becoming a surgeon. He initially aspired to specialize in neurosurgery before considering head and neck surgery.
However, his dream was cut short on March 5, 2025, when Brenan Cullimore collapsed during a pick-up basketball game with friends.
What began as a moment of dizziness quickly escalated into a devastating cardiac arrest, caused by a rare genetic heart condition called Brugada syndrome.
He lost consciousness, and his friends immediately called 911. Although they didn’t initially receive instructions to perform CPR, they began compressions after a delay, continuing for 15 minutes until paramedics arrived.
Despite medical interventions, Brenan’s condition deteriorated. His blood pressure became unstable, and inflammation in his brain increased.
He briefly regained a weak heartbeat, offering a glimmer of hope. However, despite heroic efforts by friends, paramedics, and medical professionals, by March 7, an ECG revealed no brain activity, and Brenan was declared dead.
Brean Cullimore is survived by his wife, Abby Cullimore, parents, Steve Cullimore and Soraya Pando Cullimore, and more.
Brenan Cullimore and Abby Cullimore Were Married for Almost 2 Years!
Brenan Cullimore’s wife, Abby Cullimore, 27, is a pediatric nurse practitioner at UVA Health.
Speaking of their relationship timeline, Brenan and Abby met as undergraduates in 2019, briefly dated, and reconnected in 2021 when Abby was in graduate school.
Brenan proposed to Abby in July 2023; he shared the news on Instagram, writing:
For years I kept tabs on Abby and waited for the right time to shoot my shot. Now I get to marry her. Keep dreaming kids.
Brenan Cullimore
Eventually, their romance blossomed into a marriage on October 24, 2023. Both Abby and Brenan shared snippets of their big day on Instagram, and they looked so in love.
Together, they shared a vision of a future filled with professional achievements and personal adventures.
However, on that fateful March evening, Brenan’s sudden dizziness during the basketball game tragically led to a catastrophic event.
Following the tragic event, Abby took to her Instagram to share a carousel starting with two pages filled with eulogy on his memory, followed by several videos of Brenan.
She wrote:
These videos don’t even scratch the surface. You’re the most amazing man I’ve ever met baby. I love you, forever.
Abby Cullimore
Following Brenan’s Demise, Abby Is Now Raising Awareness About Brugada Syndrome!
Abby Cullimore is now navigating unimaginable loss while channeling her grief into a mission to save others.
A nurse practitioner deeply understanding healthcare, Abby is determined to raise awareness about Brugada syndrome and the critical importance of immediate intervention in cardiac arrest cases.
She wishes she and Brenan had been better educated about the risks of his condition, a gap she hopes to address for others.
“We didn’t completely understand the severity of a genetic screening and that it could present suddenly … with cardiac arrest,” she said.
Abby is also advocating for widespread access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces, particularly where sports are played, and encouraging people to learn CPR.
“Having access to defibrillators in places where people are playing sports should be a no-brainer,” she emphasized. “People should also consider being trained in CPR if they’re able. It obviously can save lives.”
Her resolve is fueled by her love for Brenan and a desire to keep his spirit alive. “It is the worst pain I could have ever imagined,” Abby shared.
“If I can stop that from happening for somebody, then I know me and my family and his family would like that,” She remembers Brenan’s ability to connect with everyone and his dream of making a difference as a doctor.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Brenan Cullimore completed his Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry in Brigham Young University.
- His wife, Abby, previously worked as a pediatric nurse practitioner at Alpine Pediatrics, a registered nurse at New Alternatives For Children, and more.
