Promising Olympian, Shawn Barber was at his home in Kingwood, Texas when he passed away. He was just 29 years old.
According to the Associated Press, Barber was experiencing health issues at the time of his passing. However, as his agent Paul Doyle shared, his cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Canadian pole vault champion Shawnacy Barber died at his home in Texas on Wednesday from medical complications at age 29 https://t.co/yzqQZkc7bO
— TIME (@TIME) January 21, 2024
Prior to his passing, Barber was a world-champion pole vaulter and competed in the Olympics for Team Canada.
“More than just an incredible athlete, Shawn was such a good-hearted person that always put others ahead of himself,” Doyle said in a statement confirming his devastating passing. “It’s tragic to lose such a good person at such a young age.”
We’re incredibly sad to report that the 2015 world pole vault champion Shawn Barber has passed away at the age of just 29 ????????
— Jumpers World (@jumpers_world) January 18, 2024
May he rest in peace ????️ pic.twitter.com/Der9jtYbTz
Barber was a graduate of the University of Akron. He currently holds Canada’s pole vaulting record with a vault of 19 feet, 8 ¼ inches.
This is a developing report. Mamas Uncut will update this article with information as it becomes available.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with Barber’s family and friends during this devastating time.