How Sports Media Reacted To Death Of Capital FM's Sean Cardovillis

The demise of Capital FM sports journalist Sean Cardovillis on Saturday, September 9 shocked the whole country, but no section was hardest hit than that of sports journalism, where he carved out his indelible mark for years.

His journey through the realm of sports reporting, characterized by unwavering dedication and a passion for storytelling, left an enduring legacy that transcends the boundaries of his profession.

So celebrated was his contributions to the world of sports journalism that when Capital FM issued a statement confirming the unfortunate news, scores of sports journalists started airing out their condolence messages following the loss of a true icon in the media game.

The late renowned sports presenter, Sean Cardovillis at Capital FM studios. /PHOTO

Speaking to Viral Tea, Elias Makori, Nation Media Group's (NMG) Lead Editor of Sports and Integration Projects, recounted the more than 20 years he worked with the late Cardovillis, terming him an astute, committed and honest sports journalist, and an exceptionally talented, peerless broadcaster.

"His contribution to Kenyan sports journalism was immense and the motorsport world, in particular, will miss his commitment to the sport, a commitment fellow sports journalists should strive to emulate.

"Sean raised the bar in sports journalism and broadcasting, leaving an indelible mark in our profession. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and associates. May God rest the soul of Sean - the Voice of Sport - in eternal peace," Makori mourned.

Chris Mbaisi, the Vice President of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) in Africa, stated that the death of Cardovillis came as a shocker, adding that he was a long-time friend who was very committed to the profession.

"He is among the journalists who pioneered the SOYA Awards which will celebrate 20 years next year. His contribution to journalism, especially, in motorsport has been immense and he is one journalist that should be emulated by the upcoming crop of sports journalists.

"He just loved sports and his life was all about sports. I don't remember any time we net and discussed anything else apart from sports. He had become part and parcel of motorsport, particularly Safari Rally and I must say the gap he has left will be hard to fill," Mbaisi told Viral Tea.

Likewise, Evelyn Watta, who works at the Olympic Channel in Madrid, Spain, termed the loss as a gruelling shock since Cardovillis was known to leave a memory amongst the many sports journalists and media professionals he encountered in his career.

"To wake up to the news that he collapsed and died this morning, such shocking news. He battled ill health and I always imagined that he had overcome the toughest part of his life but it seems like not," she stated to Viral Tea.

James Wokabi on his part shared on X (formerly Twitter) that it was Cardovillis who opened the doors for him at Capital FM and put him on air for the first time, adding that he inspired a whole generation of journalists with his passion, dedication and knowledge of sports.

"Hearing this Sean Cardovillis news has just hit me hard. He was passionate about his job and just as passionate if not more about his sport of cycling.

"He opened the doors for me at Capital as a sports and production intern and we later became friends and colleagues. This news has left me reeling and it needs no reminding to treasure those around you," tweeted Fidel Maithya.

Veteran radio presenter, Caroline Mutoko termed the late Cardovillis as her first-ever co-anchor who tutored her patiently during the early days of the Saturday Music and Sports show at Capital FM.

She joined Eric Njiru, Multichoice Kenya and even the World Rally Championship (WRC) in penning their message of condolence to the family and friends of the late Cardovillis.

Viral Tea on Saturday established that Cardovillis was found dead outside his house along Rhapta Road, Westlands, Nairobi, where he lived alone.

Unconfirmed reports revealed that he collapsed on the staircase outside his house, with the cause of death yet to be determined by the time of publishing this article.

Cardovillis' medical condition was last made public in February 2022 when his family shared a notice online appealing for financial help. At the time, he had been admitted to the hospital's High Dependency Unit (HDU) after being diagnosed with pneumonia.

We at Viral Tea extend our condolences to the family and friends of the late Sean Cardovillis as well as colleagues at Capital FM, fans, followers, media in general and the entire sports fraternity...the 'Voice of Sport' in Kenya. May he Rest In Eternal Peace.