SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (THECOUNT) — Natasha Ward, 21, an Australian middle-distance runner who competed at the 2024 Australian Championships, has died, according to a joint statement from NSW Athletics and the Sutherland District Athletics Club. Officials have not released a cause of death.
The news of Ward’s death comes just weeks after the loss of another Australian athlete, Jemma Stapleton, 25, who died in a motorcycle crash while vacationing with her family in Thailand. Stapleton was a respected member of the Australian sporting community, and her death marked another recent loss among the nation’s athletes.
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NSW Athletics and the Sutherland District Athletics Club announced Ward’s death Thursday, July 30, describing her as a valued member of the Australian athletics community. The organizations said Ward was remembered for her kindness, enthusiasm and dedication to the sport.
“Beyond her kindness on the track, Natasha was a greatly loved member of our community,” the organizations said in a statement. They added that her personality and determination left a lasting impact on teammates and training partners.
Ward began competing in athletics while in school, earning medals at the NSW All Schools championships before continuing her career through university competition. During her time at Sydney’s Macquarie University, where she studied exercise and sports science, she competed in UniSport Nationals events.
In April, Ward earned a bronze medal in the 800-meter event at the UniSport Nationals, according to the statement from her athletics club. Throughout her career, she competed primarily in the 400-meter, 800-meter and 1,500-meter events.
Ward represented the Sutherland District Athletics Club and competed at the 2024 Australian Championships, where she raced alongside some of Australia’s top athletes, including Morgan Mitchell and Claudia Hollingsworth, according to News.com.au.
Her club said Ward regularly participated in both summer and winter relay competitions and was known for helping teammates whenever needed.
Following the announcement, fellow athletes and members of the community shared tributes to Ward on social media. Runner Nathan Breen commented on NSW Athletics’ post, calling the news devastating and offering condolences to Ward’s family and friends.
Others who said they had interacted with Ward outside athletics also remembered her personality and kindness.
Authorities and Ward’s athletic organizations have not announced additional details regarding her death. The circumstances remain undisclosed.
Sydney is located in New South Wales on Australia’s southeastern coast and is the country’s largest city and a major center for athletics and international sporting competition.
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