Tributes have poured in for the former Cal Poly track and field star Shelby Daniele, who tragically passed away at the age of 23.
The former collegiate track star - who had previously been a sprinter for California Polytechnic State University’s track and field team - passed away on last week, with Cal Poly Track & Field's Instagram page announcing the tragic news on Friday.
Her family has confirmed in her obituary that Daniele "passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on September 25, 2024".
In a tribute, officials wrote: "Cal Poly Athletics was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of former Cal Poly student-athlete Shelby Daniele.
"Shelby was an exceptional student-athlete on the Cal Poly track and field team for five years, graduating from Cal Poly this spring with her master’s in Irrigation with distinction.
"She was a six-time All-Big West honoree, a two-time Big West champion, a team captain and is a school record holder, but more importantly she was an incredible teammate and leader. She cared deeply for those around her, had a remarkable heart and was a role model for so many."
"Shelby was truly one of a kind and will be missed dearly by everyone in the Cal Poly community," the tribute added. "Our condolences go out to her family and friends."
The Daily Mail reports that Daniele has only just graduated with a master's degree in agriculture in June.
Shelby's sister, Jessica, has also paid tribute on Instagram, writing: "My worst nightmare happened this morning, September 25, 2024.
"My sister, my best friend left Earth to be with God. Too soon and too fast and I will never understand why but she is where she is supposed to be now. I so wish I could have lived the rest of our lives together, but things will be different now and we will get through it. You were the light in everyone’s life and it’s hard to believe I can’t talk to you anymore. I love you forever baby girl"
Other tributes have been pouring in for the gifted athlete, with one former teammate writing on Instagram: "Absolutely no words. Shelby was a beautiful human and an amazing teammate. Always a gracious competitor. Rest in peace, Shelby."
Another added: "Truly the most dedicated and hardworking individual to the program. Absolutely heartbreaking. Rest in Peace Shelby."
Speaking to local outlet Your Central Valley, Buchanan High School track coach Brian Weaver said of the 23-year-old: "She was a big part of our family.
"It was a great athlete coaching experience for me because we had to get through some things together. That is a memory that I will have forever."
Daniele's apparent cause of death has been shared by the father of a fellow athlete attending the California NCAA Division I school, Brian Brandenburg, who revealed in a Facebook post last week that she had died after suffering a brain aneurism.
The Cleveland Clinic describes a brain aneurysm as a "bulge in a weak area of a blood vessel in or around your brain." They can be fatal if ruptured and not treated in time.
A gifted athlete, Daniele was not only the hold for the indoor 200m record at Cal Poly, but she also set the school's second fastest time ever in the indoor 60m at 7.62 seconds and in the 100m at 11.58 seconds.
A funeral service for Shelby is set to take place on Monday, October 14, 2024.
Our thoughts go out to Daniele's family and friends at this time.
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