Mississippi Track Star, 19, Passes Away In Her Sleep After Breaking Personal Record

A young and talented track and field athlete has sadly passed away after falling asleep on her couch following a successful competition.

Natalie Black, a sophomore at Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi, was found unresponsive on March 1, just hours after celebrating a remarkable track and field performance earlier that day.

The 19-year-old was admired by her teammates, coaches, and family for her dedication and passion for the sport. Friends, family, and fellow athletes have been paying emotional tributes, remembering her as a true champion and an inspiration to many.

The teenager tragically passed away in her sleep Facebook/Formeka Black

Natalie had a standout day at an outdoor meet in Clinton, where she achieved a new personal best in the triple jump. She soared an impressive 11.01 meters, securing second place in her event.

"She about knocked me over celebrating," said Natalie’s graduate assistant coach, Tytavia Hardy, in an interview with WLBT. She was thrilled to see Natalie achieve the milestone of making it into the ‘11-meter club.’

Her head coach, Butch Ard, also recalled the moment proudly: "She walked over like, 'I know you saw that coach, I know you saw that'. I said, 'I saw it'."

Natalie's father, Toiwarn Black, shared how determined she had been to succeed: "She was like, 'I'm gonna make you proud'. And she did that, she absolutely accomplished that goal."

After her incredible achievement, Natalie returned to her family’s home in Terry, Mississippi. She decided to rest on the couch but never woke up.

Her mother, Formeka Black, expressed her heartbreak in a Facebook post, sharing that the family had spent an 'amazing last day' together, from morning until night, making memories they will now cherish forever.

The track star with her mom Facebook/Formeka Black

Reflecting on her daughter’s final hours, Formeka continued: "She was so happy! that smile man! She made the best triple jump record she ever had, beat her personal record!"

She added: "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!"

Through her grief, she also shared: "I'm trying to be strong for our Boys. Yet, they're being strong for me," She went on to say: "I'm so glad we have each other to lean on when the other can't even stand. This reality has been a devastating blow to our family and we are taking things minute by minute."

During a candlelight vigil held in her honor, Natalie’s classmates and teammates remembered her as someone who was always full of energy, kindness, and warmth. They described her as a dedicated athlete who lifted the spirits of everyone around her.

Her mother, Formeka, spoke at the vigil and reflected on her daughter’s radiant personality: "When she comes in the room, the energy shifts. She's just so positive and loving."

With a heavy heart, she continued: "That baby lived her life big and happily and joyously,"

Her mom and dad attended the candlelit vigil WLBT

Her father, Toiwarn, also shared his emotions about the overwhelming support at the event, saying: "To be out here with all of these people that loved and cared for my baby, is so awesome and it's a great experience to have to just see the love and to feel the love and to just hear the stories, it's great."

To honor Natalie’s legacy, those attending the vigil completed a lap around the track one that she had trained on countless times during her athletic journey.

Many of her teammates and coaches spoke about the impact she had on them. Her teammate, Tierra Kelly, shared: "She was so sweet with the biggest smile."

Another teammate added: "It was very warm. She made you feel like you were welcome and comfortable always around her."

Reflecting on Natalie’s joy-filled spirit, Courtney Adams recalled: "Every time you're going to be around Natalie, you're going to laugh,"

Coach Christi Delaughter also paid tribute to her, saying: "Couldn't have asked for a better athlete or a better person to come and be a part of our team."