A promising young track and field athlete, Natalie Black, has tragically passed away at just 19 years old. The Belhaven University sophomore, known for her determination and infectious spirit, was found unresponsive on March 1 after falling asleep on her family’s couch following a day of triumph on the track.

Natalie had just set a new personal record in the triple jump at Belhaven’s first outdoor meet of the season in Clinton, Mississippi. With an impressive leap of 11.01 meters, she secured second place in the event, marking a major milestone in her athletic journey.

“She about knocked me over celebrating,” recalled her graduate assistant coach, Tytavia Hardy, at a candlelit vigil held in her honor, explaining that the athlete had made it into the ’11-meter club’, WLBT reported.

Head coach Butch Ard fondly remembered Natalie’s excitement after her jump. “She walked over and said, ‘I know you saw that, Coach.’ I told her, ‘I absolutely did.’”

Natalie’s father, Toiwarn Black, shared how determined she had been to make him proud. “And she did. She absolutely accomplished that goal.”

Later that evening, still filled with joy from her accomplishment, Natalie returned to her family’s home in Terry, Mississippi. She lay down for a nap on the couch—one from which she would never wake up.

Her mother, Formeka Black, expressed her heartbreak on Facebook, reflecting on their final hours together. The devastated mom wrote that they’d had an amazing last day from morning until night.

“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,” she wrote. “I THANK GOD. There was no suffering. HE gave us that much Grace!”

At the vigil, classmates and teammates spoke of Natalie’s vibrant personality – using words like ‘sweet’, ‘kind’, and ‘bubbly’.

Her mother also shared how deeply Natalie impacted those around her. “When she comes in the room, the energy shifts. She’s just so positive and loving. That baby lived her life big and happily and joyously.”

Natalie’s father was moved by the outpouring of love at the vigil. “To see all these people here for my baby—it’s overwhelming. It’s a blessing to hear their stories and feel the love they had for her.”

As a tribute to their beloved teammate, those gathered at the vigil took a symbolic lap around the track—a place where Natalie had spent so many hours training and pushing herself to be the best.

Teammate Tierra Kelly remembered her as someone who made everyone feel welcome. “It was very warm. She made you feel like you were welcome and comfortable always around her.”

She added: “She had the biggest smile. It was warm, inviting—she always made you feel at ease.”

Coach Christi Delaughter summed up the collective heartbreak, simply remarking: “Couldn’t have asked for a better athlete or a better person to come and be a part of our team.”

Natalie Black’s sudden passing has left a void in the hearts of those who knew her, but her legacy of determination, kindness, and joy will continue to inspire.