Shawnacy Barber, a world champion pole vaulter, passed away at 29 due to medical complications at his home in Kingwood, Texas.
He achieved back-to-back NCAA championships in 2014 and 2015, followed by a gold medal at the 2015 world championships in Beijing.
His 6.00-meter jump in 2016 stands as a Canadian record.
Barber also competed in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Barber’s agent, Paul Doyle, said, “More than just an incredible athlete, Shawn was such a good-hearted person that always put others ahead of himself.”
“It’s tragic to lose such a good person at such a young age,” he continued.
Tributes poured in, highlighting his selflessness and positive impact on others, with fellow athletes expressing their deep sadness and gratitude for his influence on their lives.
Canadian pole vaulter Alysha Newman wrote, “I wish I could say heaven received another Angel but if I’m being honest it was way too soon.”
“Shawn, my teammate, my dear friend and confidant,” she continued.
“I’m honored to have been in the same walk of life as you. To many, Shawn is known as one of the greatest male Pole Vaulters of all-time but to me, Shawn changed the way I lived life. With Shawn around there was never a bad day. With him, heaviness was lightened, tears turned into laughter and every bad jump day, he had two drinks in-hand to help pass defeat,” recalled Newman.
“These weren’t even the best parts of Shawn. Shawn was so selfless. He would go above and beyond to make sure everyone around him was good before he was. He never missed a ‘thank you’ or a gesture to show people how thankful he was for their help,” she continued.
“Today I am sad but tomorrow I’ll be thankful for the love, the advice and adventures we had because that is what Shawn would have wanted. He would want us to remember all the amazing times he impacted your life and remind us all that there is always more to life,” Newman concluded.
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