Former College Track Star Shelby Daniele Dies at 23, Months After Earning Master’s: Details

Shelby Daniele, a former standout at Cal Poly and Buchanan High, passed away unexpectedly at 23, just months after earning her master’s degree in agriculture.

Shelby Daniele’s sudden death shocked her family, friends, and the athletic communities of her college and her former high school in Fresno, California. She was known for her record-breaking performances in track and field, her academic success, and her good heart. People from her hometown and her family have spoken out following the news.

On September 26, 2024, Cal Poly Track and Field announced Daniele’s death via an Instagram post, expressing their sorrow and paying tribute to her contributions to the team

The post highlighted her five years as an athlete at the university, her educational achievements, and her leadership as a captain. “Shelby was truly one of a kind and will be missed dearly by everyone in the Cal Poly community,” the statement added.

Similarly, Buchanan High School, where Daniele first gained recognition as a track star, shared its grief on Facebook. They recalled her remarkable performance at the 2019 California State Meet, where she won the 200-meter title and helped secure a team championship.

The school also remembered her as a warm and generous person who continued to support the program even after her graduation. Daniele’s high school track coach, Brian Weaver, described her as “everything you want a young athlete to be.”

He fondly recalled how Daniele led her team to championships and continuously improved as an athlete and a person. He shared a memory from the 2019 state championships, where Daniele told him she was tired and sore after a long weekend of races.

Despite her exhaustion, she managed to win, thanks to Weaver’s encouragement and her own perseverance. “It was a great athlete coaching experience for me because we had to get through some things together,” Weaver shared. “That is a memory that I will have forever.”

The coach also mentioned that Daniele wasn’t just a star on the track; she was a compassionate and supportive teammate who was there for the youngest runners. “She mentored so many athletes,” he said. “Kept them going when times were tough—after graduating, she would take her personal time to come say hi to all the coaches and athletes.”

On September 27, a candlelight vigil was held at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium, where hundreds assembled to honor Daniele’s memory. This was the very place where she had once captivated crowds with her remarkable athletic abilities. Her sister posted about it and invited the community to join. “Anyone and all are welcome [sic] 💛🌻,” she wrote.

A collage of photos displayed her joyful moments with loved ones, while her name lit up on the stadium’s scoreboard. A speaker at the vigil expressed that she touched the lives of everyone around her. “She was one in a million,” they added.

Weaver, who saw Daniele just a week before her death, explained the deep sense of loss felt by everyone she touched. “She called me and said, ‘It’s me.’ I said, ‘I know who you are.’ She always made time for her old coach,” he shared, recalling how she unexpectedly stopped him during a run.

In the wake of Daniele’s passing, online tributes poured in from people who knew her personally and from their community. Brian Brandenburg posted a touching message on Facebook for National Daughters Day, expressing his love and gratitude for his daughters.

However, he shared his profound sadness over the passing of Daniele, who had inspired one of his girls to pursue track at Cal Poly. He described the news as “completely heartbreaking,” and mentioned that Daniele had died from a brain aneurysm, though no official cause of death has been confirmed at this time.

Other comments continued to pour in across social media. One user on Instagram wrote, “I lived with her in the yakitutu dorms and she was so sweet and smart. My heart goes out to her friends and family. ❤️ [sic].”

Another added, “Absolutely no words. Shelby was a beautiful human and an amazing teammate. Always a gracious competitor. Rest in peace, Shelby.” Meanwhile, her father shared a simple but heartbreaking comment on Cal Poly’s Instagram post, “I miss you.”

These heartfelt sentiments reflect what Coach Weaver mentioned regarding Daniele’s character outside of athletics. She was truly a role model, a leader, and a friend to many.

Additionally, Daniele graduated from Cal Poly in 2023 with a degree in agriculture and went on to earn her master’s in the same field with distinction in 2024. She had expressed a passion for environmental stewardship and planned to pursue a career in agricultural business, hoping to make a difference in the world.

Daniele is one of many athletes, like Chance Gainer, who have died unexpectedly in the last few months. Our deepest condolences go out to Daniele’s family, friends, and all who were touched by her life.