World champion in 2015 and Olympic finalist at Rio 2016 in the pole vault – in the event in which Brazilian Thiago Braz won gold at the Games – Canadian Shawn Barber has died at the age of 29. The revealed cause was a “medical complication.” The death was confirmed by the athlete’s agent, Paul Doyle. Barber was at home in Kingwood, Texas.

– More than an incredible athlete, Shawn was a kind-hearted person who always put others first – Doyle said. – It’s tragic to lose such a good and young person.

Barber stood out at the University of Akron, where he was the NCAA indoor champion, the university student championship in the United States, in 2014 and 2015. Also in 2015, the Canadian was champion in the event held in an open NCAA stadium before winning gold at the World Championships that year in Beijing. During the same season, Barber won first place at the Pan American Games in Toronto.

He remains the Canadian record holder in the pole vault. On January 15, 2016, he achieved 6 m during a race in Reno, in the state of Nevada (USA).

– A friend who will never be forgotten – said Barber’s agent.

Athletics Canada, Canada’s track and field federation, released a statement saying “thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Shawn Barber.”

World Athletics, the international federation of this sport, also published a message:

-Keep flying, Shawn. World Athletics is deeply saddened by the passing of Shawn Barber, 2015 World Pole Vault Champion. Condolences to his family, friends and all pole vaulters.