Shelby Daniele, a former standout student at Buchanan High and Cal Poly, unexpectedly passed away at the age of 23, a few months after receiving her master’s in agriculture.
Shelby Daniele’s unexpected passing stunned her friends, family, and the athletic communities at both her former high school and college in Fresno, California. She was well-known for her kind heart, her academic success, and her record-breaking track and field performances. People from her family and hometown have spoken out after hearing the news.
Cal Poly Track and Field posted an Instagram message on September 26, 2024, announcing Shelby’s passing and expressing their condolences for her contributions to the team.
Her five years as an athlete at the university, her academic successes, and her captaincy were all highlighted in the post. “Shelby was truly one of a kind and will be missed dearly by everyone in the Cal Poly community,” said the statement.
Shelby’s first high school track stardom came from Buchanan High School, which also expressed its sorrow on Facebook. They talked about her amazing showing at the 2019 California State Meet, where she took first place in the 200 meters and contributed to the team’s victory.
In addition, the school recalled her as a kind and giving individual who supported the program long after she graduated. Brian Weaver, Shelby’s high school track coach, said she was “everything you want a young athlete to be.”
He remembered with fondness how Shelby guided her team to championships and continued to grow both personally and athletically. He recalled a time in 2019 when Shelby told him she was worn out and sore from a full weekend of racing at the state championships.
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 Shelby was a kind and encouraging teammate who looked out for the younger runners in addition to being a star 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 vigil in Shelby’s memory. It was the exact spot where her incredible athleticism had mesmerized audiences in the past. Her sister invited the community to join in a post about it. She wrote, “Everyone is welcome💛🌻 [sic].”
She was shown in a collage 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 described how everyone Shelby touched felt a profound sense of loss, having seen her just a week before she passed away. “‘It’s me,’ she said, calling. “I know who you are,” I said. He related how she had abruptly stopped him while out for a run. “She always made time for her old coach,” he said.
Following Shelby’s death, a flood of tributes from her community and personal acquaintances appeared on the internet. In honor of National Daughters Day, Brian Brandenburg wrote a heartfelt message on Facebook expressing his appreciation and love for his daughters.
He did, however, express his deep sorrow over Shelby’s passing 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 Shelby had died from a brain aneurysm and called the news “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 teammate. 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 Shelby’s character away from the field of sports. For many, she was a friend, a leader, and a true role model.
Shelby also received a degree in agriculture from Cal Poly in 2023 and a distinguished master’s degree in the same field in 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.
Shelby is just one of several athletes who have passed away suddenly in the past few months, including Chance Gainer. We send our sincere condolences to Shelby’s friends, family, and everyone else she touched during her life.
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