He may not have been one of the world’s best known sprinters, but several in the athletics world have been left shocked by the death of Bahamian Olympian Shavez Hart on the weekend.

Hart, 29, was shot dead after trying to break up an argument outside a nightclub in Mount Hope on the Abaco Islands of The Bahamas at 2 am Saturday (September 3).

Hart, who competed in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, later died in hospital.

In a statement, the Bahamas Olympic Committtee said: “The Olympic family is saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Shavez Hart, a proud native of Abaco.

“The Bahamas Olympic Committee, on occasion, had the opportunity to work closely with Shavez. He was always very humble, yet proud and determined to offer the very best of himself for the sake of country.

“Shavez was so full of life and a formidable competitor in the sprints, He was the third fastest Bahamian sprinter of all time over 100m, and the fourth fastest over 200m.

“On behalf of the Olympic Family, we offer our sincere condolences to his family and love ones.”

Hart’s death came just days before he would have celebrated his 30th birthday today (September 6).

He leaves behind a wife and son.

A suspect was later arrested and taken into police custody, according to local media.

Hart’s mother, Shammaine Hart, 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.”

Reacting to news of the athlete’s death, the country’s prime minister, Philip Brave Davis, said on Twitter: “On behalf of my family and the people of the Bahamas, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family of Shavez Hart.

“As a country we are blessed to have a great athlete to carry our flag around the world. Ann and I will keep the Shavez family in our thoughts and prayers.’

Bahamian sports minister Mario Bowleg said: “It is with great sadness that I express my heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Olympian Shavez Hart!”

EIGHT-TIME BAHAMIAN CHAMPION

Hart was an eight-time Bahamian champion in 100 metre and 200 metre sprints.

He qualified for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with a time of 10.10 seconds in the 100m sprint – a personal best that meant he became the third fastest Bahamian of all time.

He had earlier attended the Texas A&M University where he competed in track events.

He competed in the 2013 CAC Championships and won the gold medal in the 4x100m relay in Morelia, Mexico.