Here is all you need to know about pole vaulter Shawn Barber, his age, career, records, cause of death and Covid vaccine status
Shawn Barber, a Canadian world champion pole vaulter, passed away on Thursday at the age of 29, according to his agent Paul Doyle, who spoke to CNN.
Had pole vault athlete Shawn Barber taken the Covid vaccine and what is his cause of death reason
Social media was flooded with tributes after his unexpected passing. Athletics Canada shared the following on X (formerly Twitter):
Our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Shawn Barber, Canadian pole vaulter — 2015 world champion, Rio 2016 Olympian and Canadian record holde.”
Keep flying, Shawn ✨
World Athletics is deeply saddened by the passing of Shawn Barber, the 2015 world pole vault champion.
Condolences go out to his family, friends and fellow vaulters. pic.twitter.com/mVMLsJ68iC
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) January 19, 2024
Who was Shawn Barber?
Shawnacy Campbell Barber was a Canadian-American track and field athlete who competed in the pole vault. The 29-year-old who measured 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) tall was born on 27 May 1994 in Las Cruces, New Mexico, U.S. He was a dual citizen of Canada and the United States.
Growing up, he lived in both the United States and the Toronto area. He attended Kingwood Park High School in Houston before graduating.
A look at Shawn Barber’s career
Barber competed in track and field as a college student for the University of Akron, where he won three NCAA titles. Barber qualified for the final at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, which Thiago Braz of Brazil ultimately won. According to Olympics.com, his best vault, which stands at six metres, is still the record for Canada.
On July 25, 2015, he achieved the current national record with his outdoor personal best leap of 5.93 metres. Lázaro Borges and Barber are tied for the Pan American record. In addition, he has the 5.91-meter NCAA Collegiate Indoor Record.
What was Shawn Barber’s cause of death?
According to a statement from the University of Akron’s athletics department, Barber passed away on 17 January 2024, in his Kingwood, Texas, home on Wednesday due to medical problems but an official cause of death wasn’t revealed.
Meanwhile, the unexpected death of Barber has resulted in social media users spouting bizarre conspiracy theories however, these claims have no scientifically proven backing with his vaccination status not known.
Canadian world champion pole vaulter Shawn Barber dies at 29… How many more athletes need to die until there is a serious investigation on the covid vaccine and young dead athletes? pic.twitter.com/kPVe4j8Gcm
— The 🐰🕳️ (@TheHoleTweet) January 19, 2024
Shawn Barber’s family
Shawn Barber was welcomed by George Barber, who was also a pole vaulter for Canada at the 1983 World Championships, and Ann Barber, his parents. He also has a brother named David. His parents got divorced when Shawn was just 10 years old.
Shawn Barber relationship
Shawn Barber was gay. He revealed this in April 2017.
Shawn Barber world class athlete in prime physical health, dead at 29 & don't even think for 1 moment that it had to do w/ the #DiedSuddenly #ClotShot Covid "Vax" as the autopsy will certainly point to some other cause completely unrelated, just as soon as the coroner gets his 💵 https://t.co/oeHJ42D3Dn
— JolietEastSider (@JolietEastSider) January 19, 2024