Former college track star, 23, dies just months after celebrating master's degree

Former Cal Poly track and field star Shelby Daniele suddenly died on Wednesday at the age of 23 - just months after receiving her master's degree at the university.

Daniele, who broke Cal Poly's indoor 200m record last year with a time of 24.69 seconds, 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, before going on to secure a master's in June.

Yet just over three months later, the university announced that Daniele has tragically passed away.

'Cal Poly Athletics was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of former Cal Poly student-athlete Shelby Daniele,' the statement read.

'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.'

A cause of death has not yet been revealed. 

Daniele's father, Daniel, shared a photo of him and wife Kim standing proudly next to daughter Shelby after her graduation at Cal Poly on June 15. 

In what proved her final college race, the Mustangs sprinter finished 43rd with a wind-aided time of 23.65 at the NCAA West Preliminaries in Arkansas on May 23.

As well as holding the record for the fasted indoor 200m at Cal Poly, Daniele also boasts the school's second fastest time ever in the indoor 60m (7.62 seconds) and the 100m (11.58 seconds).

The California native, who attended Buchanan High School before heading to Cal Poly, also worked as a Field Assistant Manager alongside her family at Jalonen Ranches - the family's almond and walnut ranch in Caruthers.

Her family are said to have held a candlelight memorial service for her at Buchanan High School on Friday night.

Daniele's sister, Jessica Reichman, also paid tribute to her sister in a heartbreaking post following her death this week.

'My worst nightmare happened this morning, September 25, 2024. My sister, my best friend left Earth to be with God. Too soon and too fast and I will never understand why but she is where she is supposed to be now,' Jessica wrote on Instagram.

'I so wish I could have lived the rest of our lives together, but things will be different now and we will get through it. You were the light in everyone’s life and it’s hard to believe. I can’t talk to you anymore. I love you forever baby girl.'