Jamaican-born athlete Daundre Barnaby died in St. Kitts today (27 March).
Athletics Canada, in a statement, said: "It is with heavy hearts that Athletics Canada announces the passing of national team athlete Daundre Barnaby of Brampton, Ont., during the East Hub training camp in St. Kitts.
“This is such a sad and profound loss, Daundre was an outstanding athlete and an even better young man,” said Rob Guy, Chief Executive Officer, Athletics Canada. “On behalf of Athletics Canada I offer my sincere sympathies and condolences to Daundre’s family and teammates. Athletics Canada will do whatever is necessary to support the athletics family through this tragedy.”
Daundre was swimming in the ocean with teammates during down time when he disappeared. An Athletics Canada grief counsellor is on the way to St. Kitts to provide the necessary support to athletes, coaches and staff on-site. Head Coach Peter Eriksson was on his way back to Ottawa from Portland, OR but changed plans and is also on the way to St. Kitts to be with the team.
Born December 9, 1990 in St. Ann, Jamaica, Barnaby officially became a Canadian citizen in 2012, representing Canada at the 2012 Olympic Games. A specialist of the 400-metres, his most recent international competition was the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Over the years Barnaby competed for the Bramtpon Track Club, Project Athletics and the Flying Angels. He competed in the NCAA for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
