By Gerald V. Paul

“Like so many other Canadians, everyone is deeply saddened by the loss of Daundre Barnaby, a young athlete of character who made a profound commitment to our country and made all Canadians proud,” Toronto Pan Am Games CEO Saad Rafi said, referring to the runner’s death in St. Kitts.

Rafi said Games organizers extend their deepest sympathies to his family, friends, coaches and teammates.

“Though Daundre will be deeply missed, his memory will be honoured and his example will be emulated for years to come.”

Jamaica-born Barnaby, who was hoping to run in this summer’s Games, died at a training camp in St. Kitts last Friday. He was 24. Reports say the swirling wind created an undertow, he lost his footing and was swept out.

Barnaby came to Canada at a young age and competed for the Brampton Track Club and NCAA Mississippi State Bulldogs before making the national team and representing Canada at the 2012 Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth Games.