World champion pole vaulter Shawn Barber's sudden death sparks bizarre Covid vaccine theories online

KINGWOOD, TEXAS: Canadian track and field athlete Shawn Barber died on Wednesday, January 17.

The 29-year-old breathed his last at his home in Kingwood, Texas. Though the cause for his sudden death has not been revealed, he was allegedly battling health ailments, the Associated Press reported.

‘Shawn was such a good-hearted person’

The death of the 2015 world champion in pole vault was confirmed by his agent, Paul Doyle, who shared, “More than just an incredible athlete, Shawn was such a good-hearted person that always put others ahead of himself.”

“It’s tragic to lose such a good person at such a young age,” the agent added.

Shawn Barber survived by his parents and brother

Barber was a student at the University of Akron and also a standout pole vaulter while at the University.

Following his unexpected demise, the University’s athletic department said, “Barber had fallen ill and had been experiencing poor health for some time.”

It continued, “A well-liked teammate and competitor, Barber enjoyed a distinguished collegiate career that was highlighted by capturing a trio of NCAA pole vault titles as a member of the Akron Track and Field program from 2013-15."

“He became the first male individual national champion in Zips history capturing the 2014 NCAA Indoor Championship jumping a Canadian overall record of 18-10.25 to defeat 2013 NCAA Outdoor Champ and future Olympian Sam Kendricks of Ole Miss,” the statement said.

The statement added, “Shawn is survived by his brother, David; his mother, Ann; and his father, George.”

Internet explodes with bizarre theories about Covid vaccines

Meanwhile, the unexpected death of Barber has resulted in social media users spouting bizarre conspiracy theories.

However, these claims have no scientifically proven backing.

An X user tweeted, “There sure are a whole lot of young and healthy athletes dying since the jabs rolled out. RIP.”

Another user wrote, “Medical complications, ah, that explains it.”

“The Vaccines aren’t so safe and effective I see. Thank God I didn’t get Vaxxed,” one user chimed in.

A user questioned, “Why are so many young healthy people suddenly dying since the vaccine roll out?”

Another added, “How is it libs have managed to sink themselves so far up their own asses they still cannot see how YOUNG PEOPLE ARE DYING RIGHT & LEFT LATELY?! Is it pride or ego preventing from admitting they WERE PLAYED? ANOTHER ‘SUDDEN DEATH’ OF A YOUNG MAN. RIP.”

“Why was it considered to be OK to ask someone if they have been ‘vaccinated’ during the mad push for vaccine passports and excluding people from society, but now "vaccination" status is not mentioned? I think that the answer to this should be very clear to us,” a tweet read.

‘Once a champion, always a champion’

Some people shared their condolence as a person said, “#Throwback to Shawn Barber’s 🇨🇦 5.90m clearance at the 2015 World Championships to secure him the gold medal ❤️ Once a champion, always a champion. RIP 🙏.”

Another person posted, “RIP Shawn Barber thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.