Former world pole vault champion Shawn Barber dies at age 29

Shawn Barber, the Canadian record holder and 2015 world champion in pole vault, has died at the age of 29, Report informs via Reuters.

Barber's agent Paul Doyle confirmed to Reuters he died Wednesday at home in Kirkwood, Texas of medical complications.

"More than just an incredible athlete, Shawn was such a good-hearted person that always put others ahead of himself," Doyle said on Thursday. "It's tragic to lose such a good person at such a young age."

Barber claimed gold at the 2015 Pan American Games and weeks later, the then-21-year-old upset a field including silver medallist Raphael Holzdeppe of Germany and favorite Renaud Lavillenie, who won bronze, in capturing the world title in Beijing.

Barber's best jump of 6.0 metres set on Jan. 15, 2016 is still the Canadian record. He also competed at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.