less than a year is a short time for disease to manifest itself. That being said if he started with nucs he may have bought bees on diseased frames. Package bees are likely to bring the disease.
What to look for... did the bees die in the hive? or was the hive empty with a few dead larva and a cup full of bees.
you can tell haw long the bees were in the hive by how much they developed (Comb they drew out)
Did the start as nucs Packages or swarms.
What type of frames. wood, plastic, plastic foundation was foundation?
Comb that has never had brood is not likely to have disease.
Is there a state inspection service? In BC where i am at the equipment is suppose to be inspected before it is sold. I could meet the inspector where the equipment is and he with his experience in spotting bee diseases would give his opinion and recommendation. Or if you have an experienced mentor to go along with you.
I wouldn't run away from it but I would have it checked out. First year dead out with a new beekeeper.. So many things could have caused this. disease would not be to high on the list, but not knowing there history Use caution
