Shawn Barber, a pole vault world champion, has died. He was 29.
His Agent, Paul Doyle, told theAssociated Pressthat he died at his home in Kingwood, Texas, on Wednesday. While a cause of death was not revealed, Barber had been experiencing some health issues, according to the outlet.
His management agency confirmed the news in anInstagram poston Thursday that read, “A friend that will never be forgotten. Canadian Olympic Pole Vaulter Shawn Barber has passed away. 🕊️.”
Shawn Barber.Dan Mullan/Getty
Dan Mullan/Getty
Barber was also astudent-athlete at the University of Akron, with multiple titles to his name, including 2014 and 2015 NCAA Indoor Pole Vault Champion and 2015 NCAA Outdoor Pole Vault Champion.
Athletics Canada, the national sport governing body for track and field, honored his accomplishmenton X, formerly known as Twitter, writing, “Our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Shawn Barber, Canadian Pole Vaulter – 2015 World Champion, Rio 2016 Olympian and Canadian Record Holder.”
Shawn Barber at the at Oregon Convention Center on March 17, 2016 in Portland, Oregon.Christian Petersen/Getty
Christian Petersen/Getty
“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,” Doyle told the Associated Press.
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source: people.com
