Credit: Facebook
Track And Field Star, 19, Dies Taking Nap After Competition
Track and field star Natalie Black has died suddenly while taking a nap after a competition.
The 19-year-old was a sophomore at Jackson’s Belhaven University.
She had returned home from Clinton, where her college’s track and field team had their first outdoor meet of the season.
The promising athlete had a successful day at the competition, during which Black beat her triple jump personal record, launching herself at 11.01 meters and winning second place.
Black’s team’s graduate assistant coach, Tytavia Hardy, told WLBT: “She about knocked me over celebrating.”
Her father, Toiwarn Black, also said: “She was like, ‘I’m going to make you proud,’ and she did that.”
The 19-year-old’s head coach, Butch Ard, added: “She walked over like, ‘I know you saw that coach, I know you saw that.’ I said, ‘I saw it.'”
After hearing the devastating news of the star athlete’s passing, users have paid tribute on social media.
One person writes: “Natalie Black and family – she was an amazing athlete, her legacy will live on! I am so sorry; soul, love, beautiful.”
Another says: “Prayers for the family, and I’ll keep praying for her teammates.”
“So sad to see such a bright, young life cut short,” a third adds. “Thinking of her family at this heartbreaking time.”
Formeka Black also shared an insight into her last day with her daughter on Facebook: “We had an amazing last day with her Saturday. From morning till night, we all had an amazing day with her… she was so happy!
“That smile, man! She made the best triple jump record she ever had, beat her personal record!”
A tribute from the Mississippi Track and Field Youth Club reads: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Natalie Black, a true champion in Track & Field.
“Her talent, determination, and sportsmanship inspired countless individuals, both on and off the field.
“Natalie’s remarkable contributions to the sport will forever be remembered, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”
The track stars’ family, friends, coaches, and teammates held a candlelit vigil to honor Black’s life at Belhaven’s outdoor track.
During the moving event, people were free to share their fondest memories of the 19-year-old.
At the end of the service, everyone did a lap around the field to commemorate her love for the sport.
Her father said: “To be out here with all these people that loved and cared for my baby is just so awesome, and it’s just a great experience to have to just see the love, to feel the love.’
Black’s death came as a sudden shock to her loved ones.
After coming down from the high of her win during the first track competition of the season, the track and field star returned to her family home.
The young star decided to take a nap on the couch after her long day.
Her mother wrote: “Later into the night, still celebrating with family, she simply laid on the couch for a little nap and never woke up.”
Toiwarn also shared: “I thank God. There was no suffering. He gave us that much Grace!”
Black’s official cause of death has not been announced.
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