Ottawa: Canadian Olympic 400-metre runner Daundre Barnaby died on Friday after drowning in a swimming accident during a training camp in the Caribbean island of St. Kitts, a statement said.
Barnaby, 24, who represented Canada at the 2012 Olympics and at last year’s Commonwealth Games, drowned after a strong current swept him out to sea as he swam with teammates, Athletics Canada said.
“It is with heavy hearts that Athletics Canada announces the passing of national team athlete Daundre Barnaby,” the Canadian governing body said.
Athletics Canada chief executive Rob Guy described the tragedy as a “sad and profound loss.”
“Daundre was an outstanding athlete and an even better young man,” Guy said in the statement.
“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.”
The statement said Barnaby was swept away during a morning swim, despite efforts from his teammates to save him. His body was discovered several hours later.
