Rising Star Snowboarder Dies Suddenly on 18th Birthday, Tributes from Olympians Pour In
The world of snowboarding is mourning the loss of one of its up-and-coming stars.
Ellie Soutter died Wednesday on her 18th birthday. The UK Express is reporting her death as a suicide, confirmed by British Ski and Snowboard.
“Ellie was one of the country’s best up-and-coming snowboarders, competing in both snowboard cross and freeride,” BSS said in a statement. “She was an inaugural member of the British Europa Cup snowboard cross programme which commenced earlier this year. The thoughts and condolences of the British Ski & Snowboard community are with Ellie’s family, friends and teammates.”
The Mirror reports that Soutter took her own life in a wooded area near her family’s home in Les Gets, France, shortly before her 18th birthday party.
A rising star for Great Britain, Ellie took home a bronze medal in the 2017 Youth Olympic Winter Festival, and was selected to carry the British flag at the closing ceremony.
The British Olympic Association released a statement by chairperson Hugh Robertson paying tribute to its fallen athlete.
“Ellie was an incredibly popular and well-liked member of the team,” Robertson said. “Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.”
The British Olympic Association is saddened to hear of the sudden passing of snowboard cross athlete Ellie Soutter, aged 18.
Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.https://t.co/MyyHv2Kf2z pic.twitter.com/3LpQHqOhH4
— Team GB (@TeamGB) July 26, 2018
Jess Boh was a good friend of Soutter’s, and posted what is believed to be one of the final pictures of Ellie on social media before her death. She wrote of her shock at this loss of her friend.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bls5F9shK6e/
“I have no words, I still can’t believe it. We are gonna miss you so much,” Boh wrote. “You will always be in my hearts and I hope you will keep an eye on us. #rideforellie”
Other friends posted similar messages.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bltm1xiDdtE/
“Heaven gained someone special, and I’m so happy to have known you,” wrote Emily Arthur, who competed in this year’s Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Ellie’s father, Tony, penned a beautiful tribute to his daughter on Facebook.
“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!”
Friday night, many of Ellie’s friends and family gathered in the same spot — where her birthday party was to be held — to pay tribute to their fallen loved one.
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