Former college track star Shelby Daniele unexpectedly passed away last week aged just 23, mere months after attaining her degree.
A tragic statement released by California Polytechnic State University – where Shelby broke records as a track athlete – on September 26, 2024 confirmed the young woman’s death.
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Cal Poly Track and Field’s social media post highlighted Daniele’s five years as an athlete at the university, as well as her educational achievements and leadership as a captain. “Cal Poly Athletics was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of former Cal Poly student-athlete Shelby Daniele,” the statement read.
She broke the school record for the indoor 200m with a time of 24.69 seconds before earning her master’s degree in agriculture in June of this year. The 23-year-old’s LinkedIn page detailed her aim of striving to “improve the environment and give back to our society”, which is why she focused on agriculture.
Buchanan High School – where Daniele first gained recognition as a track star – also shared its grief via a lengthy post on Facebook, recalling how she had won the 200-meter-title at the 2019 California State Meet, helping the school to secure a team championship.
“Shelby was a standout track athlete! No one will ever forget that day in May of 2019 when Shelby upset the field at the CA State Meet to win the 200 meter individual title, helping to secure the team win with her girls!” Buchanan High School’s post reads.
“Shelby was a fantastic athlete, going on to Cal Poly to continue to break records in track, but she will be remembered by her teammates and coaches as an even more amazing person. As coaches, we will always appreciate the time she took to stop by the track when she was back in town to say hi to everyone. This loss leaves a gigantic hole in so many hearts, and we will never forget the amazing woman that Shelby was.”
A candlelight vigil was held at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium on September 27, with hundreds gathering to honor Daniele’s memory and pay their respects.
According to the Daily Mail, the former track star passed away as a result of a brain aneurysm. Brian Brandenburg, the father of a fellow athlete, paid tribute to her on social media.
“The young lady that was the driving force in (his daughter) Eva’s decision to run Track at Cal Poly, Shelby Daniele, passed away last night of a brain aneurism (sic),” he wrote.
“Completely heartbreaking… hug your children every time you can and tell them you love them every day. Please say a prayer for Shelby and her family.”
The Mayo Clinic describes brain aneurysms as a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain. If a brain aneurysm leaks or ruptures, it causes bleeding in the brain, known as a hemorrhagic stroke.
The clinic writes: “Brain aneurysms are common. But most brain aneurysms aren’t serious, especially if they’re small. Most brain aneurysms don’t rupture. They usually don’t cause symptoms or cause health problems. In many cases, brain aneurysms are found during tests for other conditions.”
