A 19-year-old Mississipi track star sophomore, Natalie Black, returned home following a track and field meet on March 1. After she set her new best personal record in the triple jump, she arrived and took a nap on her couch. Unfortunately, she never woke up.
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According to WLBT, Black was a sophomore at Belhaven University. She traveled to Clinton to take part in an outdoor meet on Saturday, March 1. She would return home to her family and lie on the couch. It was her mother, Formeka Black that would post to
Facebook the sad news of her daughter's passing, five days after the fact."We had an amazing last day with her Saturday," Formeka wrote. "From morning till night, we all had an amazing day with her... she was so happy! That smile man!! She made the best triple jump record she ever had, beat her personal record!!"
"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. HE gave us that much Grace!"
Formeka called her daughter's death a "devastating blow" to their family. She has asked for prayers to continue as they are need of them. "I'm trying to be strong for our Boys," Formeka continued. "Yet, they're being strong for me. I'm so glad we have each other to lean on when the other can't even stand."
Reactions
Many took to social media to express their condolences and their heartbreak following the death of 19-year-old Natalie Black. This included Belhaven University, who said they were "deeply saddened" by her loss.
"There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they have gone, the light remains," they wrote on Instagram. "Natalie was that Light. She will forever be a part of the team, always in our hearts. Natalie's Contributions, Achievements, and Legacy will Continue to live on Forever!"
Mississippi Trackstars Track and Field Youth Club also posted on
Facebook, addressing Black's death."Natalie's remarkable contributions to the sport will forever be remembered, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations," they wrote. "Our thoughts are with their family, friends, and all who were touched by her incredible journey."
Natalie Black's cause of death has not been revealed.
