Shawn Barber, world pole vault champion, dies at 29

Exact details were not provided on the cause of death. Barber's best jump was 19-8.25 (6.0 meters) on Jan. 15, 2016, in Reno, Nev.

Shawn Barber: muere el campeón mundial de salto con pértiga a los 29 años | Cordon Press

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Shawn Barber

Shawn Barber, world pole vault champion, has died at age 29. This was reported by the University of Akron Athletics Department in a statement. The cause of death was not detailed.

"Shawn Barber passed away at his home in Kingswood, Texas, from medical complications on Wednesday, Jan. 17," the department explained on its official website.

A well-liked teammate and competitor, Barber enjoyed a distinguished collegiate career that was highlighted by capturing a trio of NCAA pole vault titles as a member of the Akron Track and Field program from 2013-15.

The department recalled that Barber "became the first male individual national champion in Zips history capturing the 2014 NCAA Indoor Championship jumping a Canadian overall record of 18-10.25 to defeat 2013 NCAA Outdoor Champ and future Olympian Sam Kendricks of Ole Miss."

Barber found success on the international stage after leaving Akron winning the 2015 IAAF World Championship in Beijing, China with a clearance of 19-4.25 (5.90m). He also earned the gold medal at the 2015 Pan American Games on the strength of a winning jump of 19-0.25 (5.80m).

Barber's best jump was 19-8.25 (6.0 meters) on Jan. 15, 2016 in Reno, Nevada. His mark has not been surpassed.

Shawn is survived by his brother, David; his mother, Ann; and his father, George.