Shavez Hart pictured at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
By BRENT STUBBS
Senior Sports Reporter
bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamian track and field community is mourning the death of Olympic sprinter Shavez Hart who was shot dead early on Saturday in Abaco.
According to police, a group of men got into a physical altercation in the parking lot of a local nightclub in Mount Hope, North Abaco, at around 2am, before one of the men left and returned with a firearm.
The gunman then reportedly shot Hart in the chest. He was taken to the local clinic where he was pronounced dead.
A suspect was later arrested and taken into police custody.
Hart, a native of Coopers Town, would have celebrated his 30th birthday on September 6.
The eight-time Bahamas national sprint champion – four wins in both the 100 and 400 metres – was a graduate of St George’s High School in Grand Bahama, who went on to compete for South Plains Junior College before transferring to Texas.
He went on to win medals for The Bahamas in the 100m and in the men’s 4x100m and 4x400m relay teams at various international meets including the CARIFTA Games, Pan Am Under-20 Championships, CAC Championships, World Indoor Championships and the Commonwealth Games. He represented The Bahamas in the 100m and 200m at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
• In a statement, Minister of Youth, Sports And Culture Mario Bowleg extended condolences to Shavez Hart's family.
“It is with great sadness that I join the sporting fraternity in expressing heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Shavez Hart, Olympian,” the statement said.
“Hart, a graduate of Texas A&M University, pursued a career in the sport of track and field running under the PUMA brand, on the professional level. As a junior athlete, he represented the Bahamas at the CARIFTA Games and Junior Pan American Games.
“Hart's personal best in the 100m, 10.10s made him the 3rd fastest Bahamian of all time in the event. The former national standout, also competed in the 200m, closing his career with a personal best of 20.23s in the event.
“The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture also extends heartfelt condolences to the executive branch of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA), all other members of the organisation, and persons within the sporting community.
“As Minister I pray for healing and comfort to the family of the bereaved during this difficult time.
“May his soul rest in peace.”
Comments
TalRussell 2 years, 2 months ago
Comrades, why should it take an allout revolution to strip the arms from all popoulaces' and Royal Constabulary―Yes?
ThisIsOurs 2 years, 2 months ago
from the nassau guardian: "Hart’s personal best in the 100m, 10.10 made him the third fastest Bahamian of all time in the event"
Two families devastated.
Godson 2 years, 2 months ago
Tribune Readers, as I told you before, it must get worst before it gets better.
Until we elect leaders who aren't afraid to get to the root of the problem and deal directly with it, we will continue to experience this trend of killings by firearms, or otherwise. Our Country is in great trouble.
Jesus said it best, "except you repent (turn around) you shall all likewise perish".
And no one would turn away from an action or thing unless they themselves become consciously aware that the thing in question is actually harmful and not good for themselves.
My people, you perish for lack of knowledge. But for the grace of God, I would have been no different. He led and took me on a life journey of knowledge. Thanks be to God.
Godson Andrew Johnson, AKA Nicodemus.
mandela 2 years, 2 months ago
The coward, the little sissy say's, "I have to go and get my BALLS (the gun), I can't fight him like a man", I hope he never sees the light of day for this pre-meditated cowardly, sissy act. The new prison needs to be built ASAP, LIKE YESTERDAY, to put these D-average, cowardly sissies away from society.
GodSpeed 2 years, 2 months ago
It's best to stay away from those kinds of places. This country is dangerous enough without getting around a bunch of drunken idiots.
ThisIsOurs 2 years, 2 months ago
be careful little feet where you go
sheeprunner12 2 years, 2 months ago
You cannot tell an adult where to "hang out" but it seems that any place that harbours rum, drugs & party animals will be more likely targets for violence in 242. However, one must be aware of the company he/she keeps. If you don't know the characters around you, you may just be caught in the crossfire.
That's the risk of living and recreating these days. The person next to you may have a "piece".
Godson 2 years, 2 months ago
Where are the true leaders who can get to the bottom of the social crisis? We do not need the simple-minded sympathizers or logicians who, at the end of the day, simply believe their job is to report the count of who got killed.
People of The Bahamas, you need better! But is it true that the people get the leaders that they deserve? In any event, we can do better!!!
Cobalt 2 years, 2 months ago
The leaders are the ones who are bringing the guns in. Think about it.
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