A young track and field athlete has passed away suddenly after falling asleep on her couch following a competition.
Natalie Black, a sophomore at Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi, was found unresponsive on March 1 after competing in a track and field event earlier that day.
The 19-year-old was known for her dedication to the sport, and her passing has left her family, friends, and teammates heartbroken. Many have shared tributes, calling her an inspiration and a true competitor.
Natalie had a strong performance at the event in Clinton, where her college held its first outdoor meet of the season. She set a new personal record in the triple jump, reaching 11.01 meters and securing second place.
“She almost knocked me over celebrating,” said Tytavia Hardy, her graduate assistant coach, at a vigil held in her memory. “She had just made it into the 11-meter club.”
Head coach Butch Ard recalled the moment, saying: “She walked over and said, ‘I know you saw that, Coach.’ And I told her, ‘I saw it.’”
Her father, Toiwarn Black, shared how much the moment meant to her. “She told me, ‘I’m going to make you proud.’ And she did that. She absolutely did.”
After the competition, Natalie went to her family’s home in Terry. She lay down for a nap on the couch and never woke up.
Her mother, Formeka Black, wrote on Facebook that the family had an “amazing last day” with her, spending time together from morning until night.
“She was so happy. That smile, man! She had her best triple jump ever, beating her personal record,” she wrote.
“Later that night, still celebrating with family, she lay down for a nap and never woke up. I THANK GOD. There was no suffering. HE gave us that much Grace.”
Formeka said she is trying to stay strong for her other children, but they have been supporting each other through the loss. “This has been devastating for our family, and we’re taking things minute by minute.”
At the vigil, her friends and classmates described her as kind, hardworking, and always full of energy.
Her mother added, “When she walked into a room, the energy shifted. She was so positive and loving.”
Her father also expressed gratitude for the love and support shown at the vigil. “Seeing all these people who cared about my baby is amazing. Feeling the love and hearing the stories—it means so much.”
To honor her, attendees completed a lap around the track where she spent so much time training.
Her teammate, Tierra Kelly, shared, “She was so sweet and had the biggest smile. She always made you feel welcome.”
Another teammate, Courtney Adams, added, “Every time you were around Natalie, you were going to laugh.”
Coach Christi Delaughter summed it up by saying, “We couldn’t have asked for a better athlete or a better person on our team.”