According to the American Heart Association, more than 417,000 cardiac arrests occur each year in the United States.
TYLER, Texas — February is American Heart Month, and tonight, an East Texas family is opening up about the sudden, heartbreaking loss of a young loved one. Their story is a powerful reminder of how fragile life can be — and how important it is to pay attention to your heart health. CBS19’s Auyana Aird shares their journey and the message they hope will save lives.
Losing a loved one is never easy, especially when it happens suddenly.
“She had a seizure, and she went into cardiac arrest, and she passed at 29 years old on May 30, 2025,” said her sister Angel Hardy.
Staysia Hardy — known to her family as Lulu — had epilepsy and a history of seizures for three years. Angel said Lulu had planned to see a neurologist, but passed away four months before that appointment. “It was the last thing I ever expected,” Angel said.
“It hurt so much, like you lost your best friend,” Angel said. “We’re all so close-knit, so she’s the biggest missing piece of our puzzle right now.”
According to the American Heart Association, more than 417,000 cardiac arrests occur each year in the United States.
“Lulu, she was just the little sister that I feel like everybody needed,” Angel said. “If you had Lulu as a sister, you were tested, but she would protect us. She watched over us.”
Lulu’s big heart inspired her to pursue a career in neurology.
“Just me being in the atmosphere there, working as a surgery scheduler, and seeing all the things my sister had — those same diagnoses and symptoms that a lot of the patients we see every day have — it’s kind of like, you know, God does things in mysterious ways,” Angel said.
Now, her family hopes Lulu’s story serves as a reminder for others to take their health seriously.
“Go to these cardiovascular surgeons, go to your cardiologist. Stay up to date with what’s going on with your body,” Angel said.
An unimaginable pain remains — but so does the love she left behind.
“A sibling is somebody you’re supposed to have until the very last day, and for her to go so early, it hurts,” Angel said. “But I’m glad we got 29 years.”
“She’s in a way in a better place than where we are. She’s not hurting, she’s happy. She’s watching over us,” Angel added..
Staysia Hardy’s Birthday to Be Honored with Red Balloon Release
Staysia Hardy’s birthday is February 10th. In honor of her life, her family will host a red balloon release to remember Lulu.