In devastating news for the athletic community, Natasha Ward, a 21-year-old Australian runner, passed away. Natasha competed in the 2024 Australian Championships against top talents like Morgan Mitchell and Claudia Hollingsworth and recently won a bronze medal in the UniSport Nationals. Her death was confirmed on a Facebook post by NSW.
“It is with deep sadness that we inform the NSW and Australian athletics community of the passing of beloved athlete Natasha Ward,” NSW Athletics read on Facebook.
“Natasha was a celebrated middle-distance runner. As a junior, she medalled at NSW All Schools over 1500m. She carried that success into her senior career, medalling at UniSport Nationals over 1500m in 2023, and this April, claiming UniSport National bronze in the 800m.
“Beyond her achievements on the track, Natasha was a greatly loved member of our community. “Her kindness and joy touched everyone fortunate enough to know her, and her magnetic smile and warm personality have left a permanent mark on Australian athletics.
“Natasha’s enthusiasm and determination inspired her training partners.
“Our thoughts are with Natasha’s family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. RIP Natasha.””
Natasha was a student at Sydney’s Macquarie University, where she studied exercise and sports science, according to her LinkedIn profile. During her short career, she competed in the 400-m, 800-m and 1500-m events. The cause of her unfortunate death hasn’t been disclosed.
Her cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed.
Runner Nathan Breen commented on NSW Athletics’ post, “Devastating news, thoughts and prayers are with Natasha’s family and friends.”
Another person also paid tribute, recalling a warm meeting with the runner.
“I’ll never forget coming down the escalator as she was heading up for her break,” the commenter wrote. “We smiled at each other as we passed, and her warmth and kindness were unforgettable. She truly had the most beautiful presence.”
The news comes weeks after the death of another Australian athlete, Jemma Stapleton, who died in Thailand during a motorcycle event.