Cause of death revealed after former college track star, 23, died months on from celebrating master’s degree
Former Cal Poly track and field star Shelby Daniele died at the age of 23 from a brain aneurysm, it has emerged.
Daniele, who broke the Cal Poly indoor 200-meter record last year with a time of 24.69 seconds, died suddenly last Wednesday – just months after receiving her master’s degree.
She competed for the Mustangs for five years between 2020 and 2024. Last week, Brian Brandenburg – the father of a fellow athlete – paid tribute to Daniele on social media.
‘The young lady who was the driving force behind (his daughter) Eva’s decision to run Track at Cal Poly, Shelby Daniele, passed away last night from a brain aneurism (sic),” he wrote.
‘Completely heartbreaking… hug your children every time you can and tell them you love them every day. Please pray for Shelby and her family.”
Former Cal Poly track and field star Shelby Daniele died Wednesday at the age of 23
Daniele, pictured with mom Kim and dad Daniel, only received her master’s degree in June
During her time at California Polytechnic State University, the talented sprinter earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 2023 before earning a master’s degree in June.
But just three months later, the university announced that Daniele had tragically passed away.
“Cal Poly Athletics was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of former Cal Poly student-athlete Shelby Daniele,” the statement said.
“Shelby was an exceptional student-athlete on the Cal Poly track and field team for five years and graduated with honors from Cal Poly this spring with her master’s degree in agriculture.”
In addition to Cal Poly’s indoor 200m record, Daniele also has the school’s second-fastest times ever in the indoor 60m (7.62 seconds) and 100m (11.58 seconds).
“She was a six-time All-Big West honoree, two-time Big West champion, team captain and school record holder, but more importantly, she was an incredible teammate and leader,” the school’s statement continued.
The Cal Poly sprinter holds the school record in the indoor 200 meters with a time of 24.69 seconds
The sprinter earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture before earning a master’s degree
“She cared deeply about those around her, had a remarkable heart and was a role model to many. Shelby was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed by everyone in the Cal Poly community. Our condolences go out to her family and friends.”
Daniele’s sister, Jessica Reichman, also posted a heartbreaking tribute following the tragic news.
‘My worst nightmare happened this morning, September 25, 2024. My sister, my best friend, left earth to be with God. Too early and too fast and I will never understand why but she is where she needs to be now,” Jessica wrote on Instagram.
‘I so wish I could have lived the rest of our lives together, but things will be different now and we will get through it. You were the light of everyone’s lives and it’s hard to believe. I can’t talk to you anymore. I love you forever, girl.”