Yahoo Sport Athletics world in shock over death of Olympic sprinter Shavez Hart
The athletics community is mourning the shocking death of Shavez Hart after the Olympic sprinter was shot down in the Bahamas at age 29.
The Royal Bahamas Police said the shooting occurred around 2am on Sunday morning in Mount Hope on the Abaco Islands.
According to local reports, Hart was attempting to break up a fight that erupted outside a nightclub.
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The fight reportedly occurred in the club's parking lot, with one man briefly leaving the scene before returning with a gun and shooting Hart in the chest.
The Bahamian athlete was taken to the Marsh Harbour Clinic, where he was pronounced dead.
A suspect has been arrested by police and an investigation is underway.
In a tragic twist, Hart was killed just four days before his 30th birthday. He leaves behind a wife and young son.
Athletics world in shock over Shavez Hart's death
The Bahamas Olympic Committee led the tributes to Hart on social media.
"The Olympic family is saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Shavez Hart, a proud native of Abaco," the BOC said in a statement.
"He was always very humble, yet proud and determined to offer the very best of himself for the sake of country."
Hart's mother told the Nassau Guardian: “He was such a good son - very quiet and always helpful.
“He did a lot of work in the community and was always trying to give back. I will certainly miss him.”
Prime Minister Philip Brave Davies wrote on Twitter: “On behalf of my family and the people of The Bahamas, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Shavez Hart.
"As a country, we’ve been blessed to have had an amazing athlete carry our flag worldwide.
"Ann and I will keep the family of Shavez in our thoughts and prayers."
Mario Bowleg, the country's Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, said: “It is with great sadness that I join in the sporting fraternity in expressing heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Shavez Hart."
Hart was an eight-time Bahamian champion in the 100 and 200m.
He qualified for 2016 Olympics in Rio, with his time of 10.10 seconds in the 100m making him the third-fastest Bahamian of all time.
Hart previously attended Texas A&M University and won gold in the 4x100m relay at the 2013 CAC Championships.
Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture the Hon. Mario K Bowleg extends condolences to Shavez Hart
It is with great sadness I join the sporting fraternity in expressing heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Shavez Hart, Olympian.
May his soul rest in peace pic.twitter.com/AjE84XT1uU— Hon. Mario Bowleg (@BowlegHon) September 3, 2022
On behalf of my family and the people of The Bahamas, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Shavez Hart. As a country, we’ve been blessed to have had an amazing athlete carry our flag worldwide. Ann and I will keep the family of Shavez in our thoughts and prayers.
— Philip Brave Davis (@HonPhilipEDavis) September 3, 2022
Waking up to absolutely devastating news that one of my former athletes Shavez Hart was shot and killed last night in the Bahamas.I had the honor of coaching “Sparkie” at South Plains College where he remains the school record holder and won many NJCAA championships.#RIP pic.twitter.com/InKUlAvlhJ
— Coach Blaine Wiley (@BamaCoachWiley) September 3, 2022
Sad day for the Bahamian sporting community. Bahamian Olympic sprinter Shavez Hart was shot and killed overnight in Abaco.
Hart had a decorated career that included being apart of the Bahamas’ silver medal winning team at the 2016 World Indoor Championships. pic.twitter.com/wDCGfQDgYS— Amajahl Knowles (@3AM__MO) September 3, 2022
Condolences to friends and family on the tragic passing of Shavez Hart. No words will do justice to the impact he had on his friends and country. My heart goes out to his entire family. pic.twitter.com/NfyL3TPLh0
— Latrae L. Rahming (@latraelrahming) September 3, 2022
Sadly, two of the three track stars pictured here have died this year at age 29: Shavez Hart, at left, last night in a shooting, and Deon Lendone, right, in a car wreck in January. https://t.co/wP3Ok87k6d
— Don Williams (@AJ_DonWilliams) September 5, 2022
It's with sadness to report that the 4x400m indoor silver medalist and Olympian – Shavez Hart of Bahamas, has passed away at the age of 29 😢🙏
Rest in Heaven, Shavez 🕊
Photo cred: @jeffcohenphoto pic.twitter.com/yvyBKXAWS5— Jumpers World (@jumpers_world) September 6, 2022
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