Murdered Bahamian Athlete Remembered

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The father of the young Bahamian athlete who was shot and killed outside a nightclub in Mount Hope, Abaco over the weekend is speaking out.

Sidney Hart is calling the incident that led to his son, Shavez Hart’s murder unfortunate, as he says his son was a young man who had high hopes and big dreams.

The younger Hart, also known as Sparkie, would have been celebrating his 30th birthday tomorrow.

Sidney Hart says his son, who was born and raised in Abaco, excelled in track and field from a young age prompting him to move to Grand Bahama for high school.

He then received multiple scholarships to colleges abroad where he represented The Bahamas across the world, winning a number of medals.

He says he and his son spent time together before his untimely death and recalls receiving a phone call around 2am that he was shot following an argument that his son tried to diffuse.

“For me as a father, I have never thought.. I didn’t see myself, none of my kids going before me. I was looking at them to bury me,” the grieving father says.

“I’m like not accepting it… like it didn’t happen. I guess because of the life he lived, Shavez is a person who don’t bother you… so humble, not materialistic,” he added.

There has been an outpouring of love for the Olympian across social media from family, friends, coaches and teammates.

Hart’s former coach Blaine Wiley says the news is devastating, noting that Hart remains a record holder at South Plains College, one of the schools he attended.

Bahamian athlete Anthonique Strachan calling Hart a great man, coach, student and all-around athlete, adding that his son will never get to experience such a memorable and dedicated man.

Bahamian athlete Teray Smith also saddened upon learning news saying Hart’s passing comes as a major loss to the entire track and field community. Smith and Hart both have traveled the world to compete, holding a national record in the 4×1 relay.

The nation’s leader also noting Hart’s contributions to the country, sending his condolences his family.

Shavez’s father, thanking the country for the love shown to his son.

“Shavez came back and gave back to his community. [He] was having basketball camps, track camp, taking people on the beach training and say, ‘Daddy, I came here on a job hunt…’ and somehow he feel like it wasn’t going his way.”

But Hart notes it didn’t deter him from going back to the community.