A rising star of track and field has suddenly died at 21. Her cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed.

The death of Natasha Ward, an Australian middle-distance runner who competed at the 2024 Australian Championships, was announced by NSW Athletics and the Sydney-based Sutherland District Athletics Club in a joint statement on Thursday, July 30.

“Beyond her kindness on the track, Natasha was a greatly loved member of our community,” they wrote.

“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,” they continued. “Natasha’s enthusiasm and determination inspired her training partners.”

Ward began racing at school, winning medals in the NSW All Schools championships. She then went on to compete in the UniSport Nationals during her time at college, most recently winning a bronze medal in the 800-meter race in April, the statement read.

Natasha Ward.Natasha Ward/Linkedin

She was a student at Sydney’s Macquarie University, where she studied exercise and sports science, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Throughout her career, Ward often competed in 400-meter, 800-meter and 1,500-meter events, News.com.au reported. In the 2024 Australian Championships, she competed against prominent Australian athletes including Morgan Mitchell and Claudia Hollingsworth, per the outlet.

Her athletics club added in its statement, “Natasha was an active member of the club, competing in both summer and winter relays each year, and was always willing to step in and help whenever a team was short.”

Fellow athletes and others who knew Ward were quick to leave messages on NSW Athletics’ post.

Runner Nathan Breen commented on NSW Athletics’ post, “Devastating news, thoughts and prayers are with Natasha’s family and friends.”

Another commenter, who said Ward had recently served her and her son at a local Nike store, also paid tribute.

“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 25-year-old was vacationing with her family in Thailand when she died in a motorcycle accident.

They were riding on a highway on the island of Koh Samui when she slipped and went into traffic.

“I was incredibly lucky to have her as my sister,” her younger brother, Joel, told Australian outlet 9News. “Her smile was infectious and could brighten even the darkest day.”