Former Cal Poly track and field star Shelby Daniele tragically passed away from a brain aneurysm, according to reports. The 23-year-old athlete’s death occurred on September 25. Recently, Brian Brandenburg, the father of a fellow Cal Poly athlete, revealed Daniele’s cause of death in a Facebook tribute post.
In the post, Brandenburg paid tribute to his two daughters, Tori and Eva, on National Daughters Day. He shared that Daniele had been a significant influence on Eva’s decision to join Cal Poly’s track team, describing Daniele as the “driving force” behind her choice to run for the program.
According to The Mayo Clinic A brain aneurysm (AN-yoo-riz-um) “is a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain. An aneurysm often looks like a berry hanging on a stem. Brain aneurysms are common. But most brain aneurysms aren’t serious, especially if they’re small. Most brain aneurysms don’t rupture. However, a ruptured aneurysm quickly becomes life-threatening and requires medical treatment right away.”
Former Cal Poly track and field star Shelby Daniele tragically passed away on September 25 at the age of 23.
According To the Daily Mail, Daniele set Cal Poly’s indoor 200m record last year with a time of 24.69 seconds, and competed for the Mustangs for five years between 2020 and 2024.
During her time at California Polytechnic State University, the talented sprinter earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 2023, followed by a master’s degree in June.
She served as Cal Poly’s team captain, earned six All-Big West honors, and became a two-time Big West champion.
Per the Daily Mail, Daniele (a California native) attended Buchanan High School before enrolling at Cal Poly. She also worked as a Field Assistant Manager at Jalonen Ranches, her family’s almond and walnut farm in Caruthers.
The university’s athletic department expressed their deep sadness over Shelby Daniele’s passing in a statement shared on Instagram Friday. They remembered the former athlete for her remarkable heart and spirit. Cal Poly did not disclose the cause of death.
“Cal Poly Athletics was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of former Cal Poly student-athlete Shelby Daniele.”
“Shelby was an exceptional student-athlete on the Cal Poly track and field team for five years, graduating from Cal Poly this spring with her master’s in agriculture with distinction. She was a six-time All-Big West honoree, a two-time Big West champion, a team captain and is a school record holder, but more importantly she was an incredible teammate and leader. She cared deeply for those around her, had a remarkable heart and was a role model for so many.”
“Shelby was truly one of a kind and will be missed dearly by everyone in the Cal Poly community. Our condolences go out to her family and friends 💚💛”
Rest in Peace.
