Olympic track star Shavez O’Neal Hart, 29, was shot and killed in his native Bahamas after he tried to break up a physical altercation at a North Abaco club on September 3.
The champion sprinter took a bullet to the chest from a man involved in the fight. The suspect fled the scene. Shavez would have turned 30 later in the week.
His former coach from South Plains College, Blaine Wiley, shared his condolences on Twitter.
“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,” he wrote.
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
Philip Brave Davis, the Bahamian Prime Minister, addressed his compatriots and Shavez’s family.
“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.”
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
Bahamian Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg also extended his condolences.
“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.”
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
The 2016 World Indoor Silver Medalist and Olympian also won a gold medal for the 4×100 relay at the Central American and Caribbean Championships.
Shavez was also a 2015 Texas A&M graduate and owned Club Magenta, according to his Instagram. The Nassau Guardian reported that he is survived by his parents, a son, two brothers and a sister.
