A teenage Mississippi track star died in her sleep after her final race, leaving colleagues and loved ones devastated about her unexpected passing.
Natalie Black, a Jackson’s Belhaven University sophomore, returned home from Clinton, where her college’s track and field team had their first outdoor meet of the season.
On March 1, that same day on her return, Black shockingly passed away, leaving her colleagues and family distraught by the news.
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The teenage Mississippi track star was actually having a great day as she achieved her goal of beating her triple jump personal record.
That feat saw her clinch a reported 11.01 meters, winning second place in her event and category.
‘She about knocked me over celebrating,’ Natalie’s team’s graduate assistant coach Tytavia Hardy fondly told WLBT.
‘She was like, “I’m going to make you proud” and she did that’, the teenage Mississippi star’s father Toiwarn Black added.
Thrilled by her achievement, Natalie returned to her family’s home in Terry to first get some rest after having a very tiring day.
However, she never woke up from her supposed quick nap on the couch of her living room.
‘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!’ Natalie’s mother Formeka Black wrote on Facebook.
‘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, family, friends, coaches, and teammates of the teenage Mississippi track star who died gathered at Belhaven’s outdoor track for a candlelit vigil honoring her life.
“When she walked into a room, the energy shifted—she was so positive and loving,” Formeka told WLBT, describing her daughter. “She used to always say, ‘You have to live, Mom,’ and she was right. That baby lived her life big, happily, and joyously.”
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During the emotional event, people shared fond memories of Natalie and the gathering concluded with a lap around the field to honor her love for the sport.
“To be out here with all these people who loved and cared for my baby is just so awesome,” Toiwarn said. “It’s a great experience to see and feel the love.”
Natalie’s friends described her as confident, bubbly, and inclusive, as her teammate Terra Kelly told WLBT: “She had the biggest, warmest smile. She made you feel welcome and comfortable.”
Mississippi Track and Field Youth Club also honored her in a tribute, calling her a “true champion” whose legacy is sure to inspire future generations.
