The track and field community is mourning the sudden loss of Natalie Black, a 19-year-old sophomore at Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi.
On March 1, after achieving a personal record in the triple jump, Natalie unexpectedly passed away in her sleep, leaving family, friends, and teammates in shock, WLBT reports.
A Day of Triumph
Earlier that day, Natalie competed in Belhaven University’s first outdoor meet of the season in Clinton. She excelled in the triple jump, achieving a personal best of 11.01 meters, which earned her second place in the event.
Her graduate assistant coach, Tytavia Hardy, recalled Natalie’s exuberance: “She about knocked me over celebrating.”
Head coach Butch Ard also remembered her enthusiasm: “She walked over like, ‘I know you saw that coach, I know you saw that.’ I said, ‘I saw it.'”
Her father, Toiwarn Black, shared his daughter’s determination to make him proud: “She was like, ‘I’m gonna make you proud.’ And she did that, she absolutely accomplished that goal.”
Credit: Facebook/Formeka Black
A Sudden and Unexpected Loss
After her victorious performance, Natalie returned to her family’s home in Terry, Mississippi. While celebrating with her loved ones, she decided to take a nap on the couch but tragically never woke up.
Her mother, Formeka Black, reflected on their final day together: “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 expressed the family’s struggle with the sudden loss: “I’m trying to be strong for our boys. 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. This reality has been a devastating blow to our family and we are taking things minute by minute.”
Remembering Natalie
At a candlelit vigil held in her honor, classmates and friends described Natalie as “sweet,” “kind,” and a “bubbly person” who was a “true hard worker.” Her mother, Formeka, noted: “When she comes in the room, the energy shifts. She’s just so positive and loving.” She added, “That baby lived her life big and happily and joyously.”
Toiwarn, her father, was moved by the outpouring of support: “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.”
Teammates also shared fond memories. Tierra Kelly said, “She was so sweet with the biggest smile. It was very warm. She made you feel like you were welcome and comfortable always around her.” Courtney Adams added, “Every time you’re going to be around Natalie, you’re going to laugh.”
Coach Christi Delaughter praised Natalie, stating, “Couldn’t have asked for a better athlete or a better person to come and be a part of our team.”
A Community in Mourning
The loss of Natalie Black has deeply affected the Belhaven University community and beyond. Her sudden passing serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
As family, friends, and teammates come to terms with this tragedy, they hold onto the vibrant memories of a young woman who lived her life with passion, joy, and an infectious spirit that touched all who knew her.
