Get the latest gossip

Shawn Barber: 5 Things About Olympic Pole Vaulter Dead at 29

The Olympic pole vaulter died at the age of 29 at his home in Texas. Here’s what to know about the athlete’s remarkable life.

View gallery Image Credit: Diego Azubel/EPA/Shutterstock Shawn Barber, a former Olympic pole vaulter and gold medalist at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, died on January 17, 2024, at his home in Kingwood, Texas at age 29. No cause of death has been released, but the news organization reported that the athlete had been experiencing unspecified “health issues” and died from “medical complications.” Despite graduating from high school in Houston, Texas, the athlete claimed Toronto as his hometown during competitive track and field events.

Get the Android app