Kenyan sports journalism lost one of its brightest stars with the untimely passing of Sean Cardovillis, a Capital FM Sports journalist. Just 22 hours before the heartbreaking news broke on a Saturday morning, Sean had been actively engaging with his audience on social media, unaware that it would be his final communication with them.
Sean’s last day was a reflection of his dedication to his craft. At 12:52 pm on that Friday, he shared a video from the 2023 WRC Acropolis Rally in Greece, highlighting the challenges faced by world-class drivers. His passion for sports was evident in his ability to bring these events to life for his audience.
Shortly after, at 1:15 pm, Sean posted a teaser for his upcoming show on Capital FM, scheduled for 2 pm. He had invited marathon runner Faith Kipyegon as his guest, promising an engaging three-hour program that would have undoubtedly captivated his listeners.
Capital FM later revealed that Sean had pre-recorded the interview, which was intended to air that day. His commitment to delivering quality content was unwavering, even in the face of unforeseen circumstances.
In his final social media update, just 35 minutes after the Kipyegon post, Sean shared another video to keep his followers informed about the ongoing Greece Rally. He had a knack for providing valuable insights and updates on various sporting events, endearing himself to sports enthusiasts across Kenya.
On Facebook, Sean announced an exciting lineup for his show, which included interviews with Baldev Chager, a prominent rally champion, and Jose Sardinha, a multi-disciplinary motorsport enthusiast. Sean’s ability to connect with athletes and share their stories was a testament to his passion for sports journalism.
Sean Cardovillis’ sudden passing shocked the Kenyan sports community. He had faced health challenges in recent years, culminating in his hospitalization in 2022. After recovering, he made a triumphant return to Capital FM in June 2023, following a two-year sabbatical.
While the cause of his death remains unconfirmed, what is undeniable is the indelible mark Sean Cardovillis left on Kenyan sports journalism.
