The community is in mourning and honoring the track and field legend who was a standout at Cal Poly and Buchanan High before her untimely death.
Shelby Daniele’s unexpected passing stunned her friends, family, and the athletic community at both her former high school and college in Fresno, California. She was well-known for her kind heart, her academic achievement, and her record-breaking track and field performances. Following the revelation, members of her family and community in her hometown have spoken out.
Cal Poly Track and Field posted a statement on Instagram on September 26, 2024, announcing Daniele’s passing and honoring her accomplishments to the team.
Her five years as an athlete at the institution, her academic successes, and her captaincy were all highlighted in the article. “Shelby was truly one of a kind and will be missed dearly by everyone in the Cal Poly community,” said the statement.
In a similar vein, Buchanan High School, where Daniele originally became well-known for her track career, expressed its sorrow on Facebook. They remembered her incredible showing at the 2019 California State Meet, where she took home the 200-meter crown and contributed to the team’s victory.
She was also recognized by the school as a kind and giving individual who supported the program long after she graduated. Brian Weaver, Daniele’s track coach in high school, called her “everything you want a young athlete to be.”
He remembered with fondness how Daniele guided her team to championships and continued to grow both personally and athletically. He recalled a time in 2019 when Daniele informed him she was worn out and sore from a full weekend of racing at the state finals.
She was exhausted, but with Weaver’s support and her own determination, she prevailed. “It was a great athlete coaching experience for me because we had to get through some things together,” Weaver said. “That is a memory that I will have forever.”
The coach added that Daniele was a kind and encouraging teammate who looked out for the younger runners in addition to being a standout on the track. He remarked, “She mentored so many athletes.” “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.”
Hundreds of people gathered at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium on September 27 for a candlelight memorial in Daniele’s memory. It was the exact spot where her incredible athleticism had mesmerized audiences in the past. Her sister urged the community to join in a post about it. She wrote, “Everyone is welcome [sic] .”
She was shown in a mosaic of pictures with her loved ones, and her name was highlighted on the scoreboard of the stadium. Speaking at the vigil, she said that she had an impact on everyone in her vicinity. They said, “She was one in a million.”
Weaver, who last saw Daniele a week before she passed away, described the profound sadness that pervaded everyone in her path. “‘It’s me,’ she said, calling. “I know who you are,” I said. Recalling how she had abruptly stopped him while out for a run, he said, “She always made time for her old coach.”
Following Daniele’s death, a flood of condolences from her community and personal acquaintances appeared online. In honor of National Daughters Day, Brian Brandenburg wrote a heartfelt statement on Facebook expressing his appreciation and love for his daughters.
He did, however, express his deep sorrow over Daniele’s demise because she had encouraged one of his daughters to pursue track at Cal Poly. Though no official cause of death has been established as of yet, he mentioned that Daniele’s death was caused by a brain aneurysm and called the news as “completely heartbreaking.”
Additional remarks kept rolling in on social media. “I lived with her in the Yakitutu dorms and she was so sweet and smart,” a user on Instagram said. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. ❤️ [sic].”
Another said, “There are no words at all. Shelby was a stunning person and a fantastic colleague. A courteous rival at all times. Shelby, may you rest in peace.” On Cal Poly’s Instagram post, her father left a brief yet poignant remark: “I miss you.”
These sincere words are in line with what Coach Weaver said about Daniele’s character away from the field of sports. For many, she was a friend, a leader, and a true role model.
Daniele also received a degree in agriculture from Cal Poly in 2023 and a distinguished master’s degree in the same subject in June 2024. She had stated that she was passionate about environmental stewardship and that she intended to work in the agricultural industry with the goal of changing the world.
Athletes like Chance Gainer and Daniele are among many who have passed away suddenly in recent months. We extend our sincere condolences to Daniele’s friends, family, and everyone who was impacted by her life.
