Track and field athlete, 19, suddenly dies after taking nap following competition
Natalie Black, an exceptional competitor and second-year student at Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi, was discovered lifeless on March 1 after winning a track and field event earlier that day. Friends, family, and fellow athletes have issued poignant tributes about the 19-year-old's early death, describing her as a "true champion" and "inspiration" for the sport.
Natalie had experienced a successful day in Clinton, where the college hosted its first outdoor meet of the season. The promising athlete improved her triple jump personal best with a leap of 11.01 meters, earning second place in the event.
"She almost knocked me down celebrating," Natalie's graduate assistant coach, Tytavia Hardy, explained to WLBT at the student's candlelit memorial, after she had joined the '11 meter club.'
Head coach Butch Ard also shared: "She came over like, 'I know you saw that coach, I know you saw that'. I said, 'I saw it'."
Natalie's father, Toiwarn Black added: "She said, 'I'm gonna make you proud'. And she did that, she completely achieved that goal."
Sadly after her victory, the teen went to her family's home in Terry and took a nap on the couch from which she would never wake up.
Natalie's heartbroken mother, Formeka Black, wrote in a Facebook post that the family had an "amazing last day" with her "from morning till night."
She added: "She was so happy! that smile man! She achieved the best triple jump record she ever had, surpassed her personal record!
"And later into the night, still celebrating with family, she simply rested on the couch for a brief nap and never woke up. I THANK GOD. There was no suffering. HE gave us that much Grace!"
"I'm trying to stay strong for our Boys. Yet, they're being strong for me," she continued. "I'm so glad we have each other to depend on when the other can't even stand. This reality has been a crushing blow to our family and we are taking things minute by minute."
At the vigil, her classmates and friends told the news outlet that she was "sweet," "kind" and a "bubbly person" who was a "true hard worker."
Formeka also attended the event and said about her daughter: "When she enters the room, the energy changes. She's just so positive and loving."
"That baby lived her life big and happily and joyously," she added.
Toiwarn also commented on the moving ceremony, stating: "Being here with all these individuals who loved and cherished my baby is so wonderful and it's an incredible experience to witness the affection and to sense the love and to simply hear the stories, it's wonderful."
Many attendees also completed a circuit of the track where Natalie had frequently trained.
Her coaches and teammates also offered tributes, with Tierra Kelly remarking: "She was so kind with the largest smile.
"It was very comforting. She made you feel like you were accepted and at ease always in her presence."
"Each time you spend time with Natalie, you will laugh," added Courtney Adams.
Coach Christi Delaughter stated: "Could not have wished for a finer athlete or a better individual to join our team."
