“Rest in Peace”: Track & Field Community Heartbroken as 23-Year-Old...

“Rest in Peace”: Track & Field Community Heartbroken as 23-Year-Old Champion Athlete Passes Away Months After…read More.

The track and field community is mourning the loss of 23-year-old champion athlete Shelby Daniele, who passed away just months after her graduation. A well-known figure in Fresno, Shelby’s athletic prowess and personal impact have left an indelible mark on her community. She gained recognition for her impressive 23.73s 200-meter time—the second-fastest in Central Section history—which helped Buchanan High School win the 2019 CIF State Championship. Her dedication to the sport and her community was evident as she went on to compete for Cal Poly, where she set records and earned multiple accolades.

On Friday, hundreds gathered at Fresno’s Veterans Memorial Stadium to remember Shelby, a former standout who had touched the lives of many. The gathering was a solemn contrast to the celebrations the stadium had witnessed during her competitive years. Family, friends, and community members came to honor her memory, reflecting on the lasting influence she had on those around her.

Brian Weaver, Shelby’s former coach and Buchanan High’s Track and Field Head Coach, spoke highly of her selfless character. Despite her achievements on the track, Shelby was known for mentoring younger athletes and always making time to visit her old team and coaches. Weaver shared a recent memory of her, recalling how she had called him during one of his daily runs just a week before her passing, demonstrating the close bond they maintained.

Shelby continued her athletic career at Cal Poly, where she competed for the Mustangs and excelled in multiple events. She still holds the program record for the fastest indoor 200-meter time at 24.69 seconds and ranks among the top performers in the indoor 60-meter and outdoor 100-meter and 200-meter events. Shelby was a six-time All-Big West honoree and served as a team captain, leading her team both on and off the track.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Shelby was known for her strong desire to give back to her community. In her Buchanan High School profile, she expressed her passion for agriculture and her ambition to secure a career in agricultural business to contribute positively to society. She graduated from Cal Poly in the spring of 2023, and her father, Daniel, proudly shared her accomplishment on social media, posting a family photo from her graduation ceremony. While the family has not publicly addressed the cause of her passing, unverified reports suggest that Shelby died from a brain aneurysm.

Cal Poly’s track and field program posted a heartfelt tribute to Shelby on Instagram, describing her as a remarkable teammate and leader. The university highlighted her caring nature and the profound impact she had on those around her. Her legacy, they noted, extended far beyond her athletic success—she was admired for her kindness and dedication to others. The post concluded with condolences to her family and friends, reflecting the deep sense of loss felt by all who knew her.

Shelby Daniele’s passing has left the track and field community heartbroken, but her memory and the positive influence she had on others will endure.