A family friend of Shelby Daniele, a former California Polytechnic State University and track standout who died on September 25, revealed her claimed cause of death in a Facebook post.
Brian Brandenburg, who claims to be the father of one of Daniele’s friends, wrote on Facebook that the 23-year-old died from a brain aneurysm.
Shelby Daniele, the young girl who inspired Eva to pursue track at Cal Poly, died yesterday night from a brain aneurysm. “Absolutely heartbreaking,” Brandenburg said.
Daniele’s old Cal Poly squad announced her death on Instagram on Thursday, September 26. They described the record-breaking runner as an “amazing person” and “everything you want an athlete to be.”
According to the Fresno Bee, hundreds of people attended a memorial ceremony for Daniele on Friday, September 27, at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Fresno, California. At Buchanan High School, she demonstrated her early athletic potential as a track and field athlete.
A speaker at Daniele’s burial ceremony expressed that “she made an impact on everybody’s lives” and that “she was one in a million,” according to the publication. Daniele’s obituary also highlighted her generosity towards others.
“She worked so hard for everyone she knew, and she did it all.” Everyone who knew Shelby had nothing but positive things to say about her; she was genuinely the sunshine in everyone’s lives. Her obituary says, “She was such a fiery, spunky, beautiful, intelligent, and strong light that will be deeply missed.”
Daniele was an “exceptional student-athlete” who contributed to the program for five years, according to the post. Her accomplishments include being a “six-time All-Big West honoree,” a “two-time Big West champion,” a school record holder, and a team captain.
She holds the school record in the indoor 200 meters (24.69 seconds), is second all-time in the women’s indoor 60 meters (7.62 seconds), tied for the No. 2 women’s 100-meter record (11.58 seconds), and is third all-time in the women’s outdoor 200 meters (23.57 seconds), according to the Cal Poly website.
The program’s Instagram statement highlighted her as an incredible teammate and leader, showcasing photographs of her in action over the years. “She cared greatly about people around her, had a tremendous heart, and served as a role model for many. Everyone in the Cal Poly community will deeply miss Shelby, who was truly unique. We extend our sympathies to her family and friends. 💚💛.
Daniele’s funeral will take place on October 14 in Clovis, California.