CANADIAN OLYMPIC 400M runner Daundre Barnaby died on Friday after drowning in a swimming accident during a training camp in the Caribbean island of St. Kitts.
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 team-mates, Athletics Canada said in a statement.
“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 team-mates. 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 team-mates to save him. His body was discovered several hours later.
