Shawn Barber, world champion pole vaulter, dead at 29

Shawn Barber, Canadian pole vault record holder and 2015 world champion, passed away at 29 due to medical complications. He died at home in Kingwood, Texas, with a cause of death yet to be determined. Barber had been facing health issues prior to his death.

His agent, Paul Doyle, described him as “such a good-hearted person that always put others ahead of himself.” Barber was a standout at the University of Akron, winning multiple NCAA championships and a gold medal at the Pan-Am Games in 2015. He set the Canadian record of six meters (19 feet, 8¼ inches) in January 2016. He is survived by his family.