19-year-old Mississippi track star Natalie Black has tragically died suddenly in her sleep, her family has announced.
The talented young athlete passed away unexpectedly while taking a nap after beating her personal record during what turned out to be her final race.
The shocking sudden death has left Black’s loved ones devastated as they try to come to terms with the tragic loss.
Black 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.
After the event, she shockingly passed away in her sleep on March 1.
It had been a thrilling day for Black and her family.
The promising athlete accomplished her goal of beating her triple jump personal record.
She launched herself 11.01 meters and won second place in the category.
“She about knocked me over celebrating,” her team’s graduate assistant coach Tytavia Hardy fondly recalled to WLBT.
Her father, Toiwarn Black, added:
“She was like, ‘I’m going to make you proud,’ and she did that.”
Elated by her accomplishment, the teenage athelete went back to her family’s home in Terry.
She then decided to take a nap after feeling tired from the eventful day.
However, she never woke up from what was supposed to be a quick nap on her living room couch.
In a post on Facebook, her mother Formeka Black wrote:
“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!
“And later into the night, still celebrating with family, she simply laid on the couch for a little nap and never woke up.
“I THANK GOD there was no suffering.”
On Friday, Black’s family, friends, coaches, and teammates filled Belhaven’s outdoor track for a candlelit vigil to honor her life.
“When she comes in the room, the energy shifts, she’s so positive and loving,” Formeka described her daughter to WLBT.
“She used to always say ‘You have to live, mom,’ and she’s right.
“And that baby lived her life big and happily and joyously.”
During the tear-jerking event, people shared their fond memories of the young track star.
It ended with everyone doing a lap around the field to commemorate the love she had for her sport.
“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,” Toiwarn said.
Black’s friends said she was confident, bubbly, outgoing, and always made everyone feel included.
Her close friend and teammate, Terra Kelly, told WLBT:
“She was so sweet, with the biggest smile.
“It was very warm, she made you feel like you were welcome and comfortable always around her.”
Another Division III teammate, Courtney Adams, added:
“Any time you’re going to be around Natalie, you’re going to laugh. She’s such a kind person.”
Hardy said Black’s kindness was not limited to her peers.
She always made sure to greet and check up on her coaches.
“She made me feel seen,” the graduate assistant coach said.
“She was the person who took the time [to say], ‘Hey coach how are you doing?'”
Assistant Coach Christi DeLaughter told WLBT:
“We couldn’t have asked for a better athlete or a better person to come and be a part of our team.”
Mississippi Track and Field Youth Club wrote in a Facebook tribute:
“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.”
No cause of death has been revealed.
All other details surrounding Black’s sudden passing have been withheld from the public.
