A talented Mississippi track star died while taking a nap after her final race, leaving her loved ones devastated as they mourn her untimely death.  

Natalie Black, a second-year student at Belhaven University in Jackson, tragically passed away on March 1 after returning from Clinton, where her university’s track and field team participated in their first outdoor meet of the season.

On that fateful day, Natalie, who was only 19 years old, had an exhilarating experience along with her family. She successfully achieved her objective of surpassing her personal best in the triple jump event by leaping 11.01 meters, securing second place in the competition.

‘She about knocked me over celebrating,’ Natalie’s team’s graduate assistant coach Tytavia Hardy fondly recalled to WLBT.

Her father Toiwarn Black added: ‘She was like, “I’m going to make you proud” and she did that.’

Feeling overjoyed by her remarkable performance, Natalie headed home to Terry with her family. The exhaustion from the day’s events prompted her to opt for some much-needed rest.

But she never woke up from what was supposed to be a quick nap on her living room couch. 

‘We had an amazing last day with her Saturday. From morning till night, we all had an amazing day with her… she was so happy!’ Natalie’s mother Formeka Black wrote on Facebook. 

Natalie Black, a sophomore at Jackson’s Belhaven University, passed away while taking a nap

The promising athlete accomplished her goal of beating her triple jump personal record – launching herself 11.01 meters and winning second place in the category

Natalie’s father Toiwarn Black said she told him she was going to make them proud before her last competition 

‘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.’

On Friday, Natalie’s family, friends, coaches and teammates filled Belhaven’s outdoor track for a candlelit vigil to honor her life. 

‘When she comes in the room, the energy shifts, she’s so positive and loving,’ Formeka described her daughter to WLBT. 

‘She used to always say “You have to live mom,” and she’s right. And that baby lived her life big and happily and joyously.’

During the tear-jerking event, people shared their fond memories of Natalie. It ended with everyone doing a lap around the field to commemorate the love she had for her sport.

Toiwarn said, ‘To be out here with all these people that loved and cared for my baby is just so awesome and it’s just a great experience to have to just see the love, to feel the love.’ 

Natalie’s friends said she was confident, bubbly, outgoing and always made everyone feel included. 

Her close friend and teammate Terra Kelly told WLBT: ‘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.’

Formeka Black said her daughter had a positive outlook on life, saying she lived ‘joyously’

The 19-year-old was described by her peers as outgoing, inclusive and easy to talk to 

A vigil to celebrate Natalie was held on Friday, where her loved ones fathered to honor her life 

‘Any time you’re going to be around Natalie, you’re going to laugh. She’s such a kind person,’ another Division III teammate, Courtney Adams, added.   

Hardy said Natalie’s kindness was not limited to her peers. She always made sure to greet and check up on her coaches.

‘She made me feel seen. She was the person who took the time [to say], “Hey coach how are you doing,’ the graduate assistant coach said. 

Assistant Coach Christi DeLaughter told WLBT: ‘We couldn’t have asked for a better athlete or a better person to come and be a part of our team.’

Mississippi Track and Field Youth Club wrote in a Facebook tribute: ‘We are deeply saddened by the loss of Natalie Black, a true champion in Track & Field. 

‘Her talent, determination, and sportsmanship inspired countless individuals, both on and off the field.

‘Natalie’s remarkable contributions to the sport will forever be remembered, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.’