The teen track and field athlete passed away in her sleep. Credit: Facebook/Formeka Black
A track and field athlete tragically died just hours after reaching a personal milestone in competition.
On March 1, Natalie Black, a 19-year-old sophomore at Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi, competed in the school’s first outdoor meet of the season in Clinton.
She delivered a standout triple jump performance, landing 11.01 meters — a personal best that secured second place, according to WLBT.
“She about knocked me over celebrating,” said graduate assistant coach Tytavia Hardy.
Head coach Butch Ard remembered her excitement: “She walked over like, ‘I know you saw that, coach.’ I said, ‘I saw it.’”
Her father, Toiwarn Black, shared, “She said, ‘I’m gonna make you proud.’ And she absolutely did.”
After the meet, Natalie Black went home to Terry, Mississippi, to celebrate with her family. Still glowing from her success, she lay down on the couch for a nap — and never woke up.
“She was so happy! That smile, man!” said her mother, Formeka Black. “She beat her personal triple jump record!”
Formeka continued, “Later that night, still celebrating, she just laid down and never woke up. I THANK GOD. There was no suffering. HE gave us that much Grace.”
She added, “I’m trying to be strong for our boys. They’re being strong for me. We’re leaning on each other minute by minute.”
Natalie’s sudden passing shook her community. At a candlelight vigil, classmates and teammates remembered her as “sweet,” “kind,” and “bubbly.”
“She shifted the energy the moment she walked in,” said her mother, Formeka. “She lived big, happy, and full of joy.”
Her father, moved by the turnout, added, “Seeing this love, hearing the stories — it’s amazing. It’s comforting.”
Teammate Tierra Kelly recalled Natalie’s warmth: “She made you feel welcome.” Courtney Adams said, “You always laughed around Natalie.”
Head coach Christi Delaughter called her “an incredible athlete and person.”
Natalie’s spirit clearly left a mark that won’t fade.
