“Rest in Peace”: Track & Field Community Heartbroken as 23-Year-Old Champion Athlete Passes Away Months After Graduation

There isn’t a single person in Fresno who didn’t know or know of Shelby Daniele. As a mainstay at Buchanan High School’s track and field program, the emerging star was a champion athlete who helped her school win the 2019 CIF State championship in 200m (23.73s). Every single time she was competing—until a move to pursue higher education in 2020—the small town of Fresno and Buchanan would wait with bated breath to watch their favorite star bring in accolades after accolades. Five years later, a crowd is gathered at the Veterans Memorial Stadium yet again, but this time, for a different reason…

yet again, but this time, for a different reason…

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On Friday, friends, family and countless others arrived in hundreds. Some cried, some hung their head low, others discussed Shelby’s impact on the community. But one common theme settled within conversations and thoughts: The kind of person she was.

A fellow athlete’s father, Brian, credited Shelby for being the “driving force” behind his daughter Eva’s decision to run track after the unfortunate news surfaced. Shelby’s former coach and Buchanan High’s Track and Field Head Coach Brian Weaver remembered the 23-year-old for her selfless attitude despite being a fierce competitor. “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,” he said.

Just a week before her passing, Shelby had reportedly tracked down Weaver while he was on his daily run. “She called me and said, ‘It’s me’. I said, ‘I know who you are’,” he said before adding, “She always made time for her old coach.”

After Daniele joined Cal Poly to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, she competed for the Mustangs and still holds the program record for the fastest indoor 200m at 24.69s. She’s also the No. 2 all-time in school history in women’s indoor 60m event at 7.62s, and the second fastest all-time in women’s 100m (11.58s). Additionally, she’s also tied third all-time in women’s outdoor 200m (23.57s).

She graduated in spring 2024, of photo of which still remains fresh on Facebook. On June 16, Shelby’s father, Daniel, wrote on the social media platform, “Congratulations to my daughter Shelby Daniele for graduating with her masters degree from Cal poly.” He also uploaded a photo of the small family—Shelby smiling wide standing between her father and mother. While the family hasn’t spoken about the cause of her sudden passing, several reports (that haven’t been independently verified) stated the reason as a brain aneurysm.

On September 27, her university’s track and field Instagram handle wrote, “Cal Poly Athletics was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of former Cal Poly student-athlete Shelby Daniele.” As per the update, Shelby graduated with distinction, was a six-time All-Big West honoree, a team captain, and a two-time Big West champion, among other accolades. But her legacy wasn’t just about the medals…

What really hit home was how much she meant to everyone off the track. Cal Poly made sure to mention how Shelby “cared deeply for those around her,” and that she had a “remarkable heart.” They called her an incredible teammate and leader, someone who was truly one of a kind. The Cal Poly community greatly felt her impact, and it is evident that she will be greatly missed. The post ended with, “Our condolences go out to her family and friends.”
Track and Field community sends condolences to the young champ
Netflix star Kevin Fernandez from The Circle joined dropped a comment saying, “Truly the most dedicated and hardworking individual to the program. Absolutely heartbreaking. Rest in Peace Shelby.”

Another user hopped into the comments, sharing some heartfelt words: “What a legacy to leave behind, sweet girl we will never forget you.” At her time in Buchanan, Shelby was instrumental for the team’s fifth straight Central Section Masters team title and 10th overall with a 170-84 victory over Bakersfield Liberty. She won the 100m, 200m races and 4×100 relay settling for 11.82, 24.36 and 46.73 seconds respectively.

Another user summed it up perfectly, saying, “Such an amazing person and athlete that truly lifted up everyone around her❤️ Shelby inspired me every day she showed up at the track. So proud to have been her teammate.” It wasn’t just her impressive resume that made Shelby special—it was her beautiful spirit, on and off the track which will continue to live on.