Josh Scribben Obituary Cornelius, NC Death: Cherish Resident has Died
It is with profound sadness that the family of Josh Scribben announces his passing. Josh, 40, a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished member of the Cornelius, North Carolina community, died on March 11, 2026, after a sudden medical emergency while kayaking on Lake Norman. His unexpected passing has left a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who knew him.
Born on June 7, 1985, in Roaming Shores, Ohio, Josh carried a warmth and quick smile that drew people to him. Known for his humor, compassion, and sincerity, he had a way of making everyone feel valued and heard. He pursued a career in physical therapy, earning a doctorate and dedicating his professional life to helping others heal. Colleagues and patients alike remember him as talented, encouraging, and genuinely invested in the wellbeing of those he served.
Outside of his work, Josh lived a life deeply connected to the outdoors and the water. An experienced outdoorsman, he loved fishing, kayaking, jet skiing, and cheering for his beloved Cleveland sports teams. Friends often said he was “raised on the water,” comfortable and joyful in nature, with a spirit that thrived near lakes, rivers, and open skies. That love of the outdoors made his sudden passing in the water all the more heartbreaking for those who knew him best.
Above all else, Josh cherished his family. He and his wife, Michelle, shared 20 years of partnership, and their one-year-old son, Kole, was the center of his world. Josh devoted himself tirelessly to creating a loving and joyful life for his family, building memories that will be treasured forever. The loss of such a devoted father and husband has left a profound emptiness for those closest to him.
Josh is survived by his wife, Michelle; son, Kole; his mother, Rosemary Zygmunt Scribben; in-laws; siblings; and extended family who hold dear the countless moments shared with him. He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Scribben Jr., and his brother, Jason, whose memories are kept alive in the hearts of the family.
Josh will be remembered for his generosity, steady presence, and genuine kindness. He had a laugh that could light up a room, a smile that reassured, and a spirit that encouraged others to be their best selves. The lessons of love, joy, and compassion that he shared will endure through the family and friends whose lives he touched.
As loved ones gather to celebrate his life, they honor Josh’s legacy: the joy he created, the care he showed, and the spirit he leaves behind in his son, Kole, who will carry his father’s love and light into the future.