Canadian Olympic 400m runner Daundre Barnaby has died after drowning in a swimming accident during a training camp in the Caribbean island of St Kitts.

Barnaby, 24, who represented Canada at the 2012 Olympic Games and at last year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, drowned after a strong current swept him out to sea as he swam with team-mates.

“It is with heavy hearts that Athletics Canada announces the passing of national team athlete Daundre Barnaby,” Athletics Canada said in a statement.

Athletics Canada chief executive Rob Guy described Barnaby’s death as a “sad and profound loss”.

“Daundre was an outstanding athlete and an even better young man,” Guy said in the statement.

“On behalf of Athletics Canada I offer my sincere sympathies and condolences to Daundre’s family and team-mates.

“Athletics Canada will do whatever is necessary to support the athletics family through this tragedy.”

The statement said Barnaby was swept away during a morning swim, despite efforts from his team-mates to save him. His body was discovered several hours later.

AFP