A young track and field athlete has suddenly died after falling asleep on her couch following a competition.
Natalie Black, a standout athlete and sophomore at Belhaven University, Jackson, Mississippi, was tragically found dead on March 1 following a track and field win earlier that day.
The 19-year-old has been described as a 'true champion' and 'inspiration' for the sport as friends, family and her fellow track and field peers issued heartbreaking tributes about her premature passing.
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Natalie had enjoyed a great day in Clinton, where the college held its first outdoor meet of the season, as the promising athlete beat her triple jump personal record having leapt 11.01 meters, bagging her second place in the category.
"She about knocked me over celebrating," Natalie's graduate assistant coach, Tytavia Hardy, told WLBT at the youngster's candlelit vigil, for having made it into the '11 meter club.'
Head coach, Butch Ard also said: "She walked over like, 'I know you saw that coach, I know you saw that'. I said, 'I saw it'."
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Natalie's father, Toiwarn Black added: "She was like, 'I'm gonna make you proud'. And she did that, she absolutely accomplished that goal."
Tragically after the victory, the teenager went to her family's home in Terry and had a nap on the couch which she would never wake up from.
Natalie's grief-stricken mom, Formeka Black, said in a post on Facebook that the family had an 'amazing last day' with her 'from morning till night.'
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She continued: "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!"
"I’m trying to be strong for our Boys. Yet, they’re being strong for me," she continued. "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."
Speaking to the news outlet at the vigil, her classmates and friends described her as 'sweet', 'kind' and a 'bubbly person' who was a 'true hard worker.'
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Formeka was also in attendance at the event and said about her daughter: "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," she continued.
Toiwarn also remarked on the touching 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."
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Many of those attending the vigil also completed a lap of the track that Natalie was so familiar with in her training.
Also paying tribute were her coaches and teammate, with Tierra Kelly saying: "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."
"Every time you're going to be around Natalie, you're going to laugh," added Courtney Adams.
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Coach Christi Delaughter said: "Couldn't have asked for a better athlete or a better person to come and be a part of our team."
Liv Bridge