There are times when an entire community may mourn the loss of someone, even if they didn’t know them personally. That community today is the track and field community.
Natalie Black was a 19-year-old sophomore at Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi. She was doing well, even achieving a personal record in the triple jump recently but she died in her sleep.
Family, friends, and teammates are shocked at the loss that was completely out of the blue. Earlier in the day she even competed in Belhaven University’s first outdoor meet of the season.
Tytavia Hardy, her graduate assistant coach said that Natalie was excited. She said: “She about knocked me over celebrating.”
Head coach Butch Ard added: “She walked over like, ‘I know you saw that coach, I know you saw that.’ I said, ‘I saw it.’”
Her father, Toiwarn Black said that his daughter was always trying to make him proud. She did make him proud, but he is mourning the loss on a very profound level.
After the performance at the track meet, Natalie went to her family’s home in Terry, Mississippi. She decided to lay down for a nap on the couch but unfortunately, she didn’t wake up.
Formeka Black, her mother, reflected on that day. She said: “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. 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.”
Classmates and friends held a candlelight vigil in her honor. They all had good things to say about her, such as how the energy shifts when she comes into a room.
The family has received much support, and her father is overwhelmed by it. He said: “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.”
This is a loss that has affected many in the community and beyond it. It’s a simple reminder that life is fragile and we should do what we can to get everything out of it.