Track and field star Natalie Black has died suddenly while taking a nap after a competition.
The 19-year-old sophomore from Jackson’s Belhaven University had just returned home from Clinton, where her college’s track and field team competed in their first outdoor meet of the season.
A rising star in athletics, she had an exceptional day at the competition, setting a new personal best in the triple jump with an impressive leap of 11.01 meters, earning her a well-deserved second place finish.
Black’s graduate assistant coach, Tytavia Hardy, shared with WLBT, “She nearly knocked me over celebrating her jump.”
Her father, Toiwarn Black, recalled her words with pride: “She said, ‘I’m going to make you proud,’ and she sure did.” Her head coach, Butch Ard, added, “She walked up to me with confidence, saying, ‘I know you saw that, coach. I know you saw that.’ And I told her, ‘I saw it.’”
In the wake of the heartbreaking news of the young athlete’s passing, tributes have flooded social media, as fans and loved ones remember her remarkable talent and vibrant spirit.
One person wrote, “Natalie Black and family – she was an incredible athlete, and her legacy will live on! My heart goes out to you all; soul, love, beautiful.”
Another shared, “Prayers for the family, and I’ll continue praying for her teammates.”
A third commenter expressed, “Such a heartbreaking loss. A bright, young life taken too soon. My thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.”
Formeka Black also opened up about her final day with her daughter on Facebook: “We had an unforgettable last day with her on Saturday. From morning till night, it was a day full of joy… she was so happy!”
She added, “That smile, man! She set a new triple jump record, beating her personal best!”
A tribute from the Mississippi Track and Field Youth Club reads, “We are heartbroken by the loss of Natalie Black, a true champion in Track & Field. Her talent, determination, and sportsmanship touched countless lives, both on and off the field.
“Natalie’s incredible contributions to the sport will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”
In honor of Black’s life, her family, friends, coaches, and teammates gathered for a candlelit vigil at Belhaven’s outdoor track. The emotional event provided a space for those who knew her to share their cherished memories of the 19-year-old.
At the conclusion of the service, everyone took a lap around the field to honor Black’s deep passion for the sport.
Her father, Toiwarn Black, expressed, “To be here with all these people who loved and cared for my baby is just so amazing. It’s a great experience to witness and feel all this love.”
Black’s sudden passing left her family and loved ones in shock. After celebrating her triumphant performance in the season’s first track competition, the young star returned home to be with her family, unaware that her life would soon take an unexpected and heartbreaking turn.
After a long and eventful day, the young star decided to take a nap on the couch. Her mother wrote, “Later into the night, still celebrating with family, she simply laid down for a little nap and never woke up.”
Toiwarn Black shared his gratitude, saying, “I thank God. There was no suffering. He gave us that much grace.”
The official cause of Black’s death has yet to be announced.
