'Truly heartbreaking': Rising sports star found dead on 18th birthday
Family, fans and the British Olympic community have paid tribute to young snowboarder Ellie Soutter after the promising athlete was found dead on her 18th birthday.
The teenager’s death was announced in a joint statement by the Olympic association on Thursday local time.
Soutter’s father Tony led the tributes with a heartbreaking Facebook post:
“This cruel world took my Soul mate and “Bessie” from me yesterday on her 18th birthday,” he wrote.
“I was so proud of the beautiful young woman she had turned into. Ellie I will miss you more than you could have ever imagined. Rest in peace you little champion!”
Soutter’s cause of death has not been disclosed.
The Surrey native won Great Britain’s only medal during the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival in 2017, when she took bronze in the women’s snowboard cross.
She also carried the British flag during the closing ceremony and was tipped to complete a childhood dream with a spot on Great Britain’s team for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
“Ellie was one of the country’s best up-and-coming snowboarders,” British Ski and Snowboard said in a statement.
A post shared by Ellie (@elliesoutter) on Sep 7, 2017 at 11:34pm PDT
Soutter had recently been named to Great Britain’s inaugural senior team for the snowboard cross Europa Cup circuit.
British Olympic Association chair Hugh Robertson and BOA Athlete Commission chair Ben Hawes said “Ellie was an incredibly popular and well-liked member of the team”.
So sad to hear the news of the passing of @elliesoutter You really were an amazing girl! Such a fun teammate, made me smile everyday, cracking all the jokes and enjoying life to it’s fullest! I’m going to miss you and your amazing energy. 😘 All my thoughts to your family 🙏 pic.twitter.com/0VyswjMQuB
— Emily Sarsfield (@EmSkiCross) July 26, 2018
Devastated to hear that Ellie Soutter – one of GB’s most talented young snowboarders – has passed away.
A European Youth Olympic Festival bronze medallist – described as “incredibly popular” member of the team – turned 18 on Wednesday #RIPhttps://t.co/Xe9YjuBG8f pic.twitter.com/uvB5EYVtsV
— ✌️🏊🏻♂️ᑎIᙅK ᕼOᑭᙓ🇬🇧✌️ (@NickHopeTV) July 26, 2018
RIP Ellie Soutter. At 18 just a kid. Tragic
— Peter Dadswell (@Dadders) July 26, 2018
It’s tragic news about Ellie Soutter how did this happen on her 18 th birthday!! Deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
— jack stephenson (@jacktruthafc) July 26, 2018
My heart goes out to the family of Ellie Soutter 😢. Truly heartbreaking 💔💔 Sleep peacefully with the angels, Ellie. RIP 🕊
— Mandie 🦄 (@GoTeamSky) July 26, 2018
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