Yahoo Finance Tributes paid to Team GB athlete who died on morning run
Tributes are being paid to a Team GB athlete who died on her morning run after being fatally hit by a car.
Natasha Lewis, who represented her country at triathlon and bobsleigh, was reportedly struck down near Peasedown St John, Somerset, at around 6.00 BST on Wednesday, April 7 and sadly died at the scene.
A keen runner from the age of eight, Natasha was an accomplished athlete and a popular member of Team Bath Athletic Club. After she was named as the individual killed in the collision, social media tributes to Natasha have poured in from friends and colleagues.
In an Instagram post, Natasha’s teammates at Team Bath Athletic Club called her 'a formidable athlete' who was 'full of life and positive energy.'
'Behind her steely determination,' they said, 'she was kind, caring and fun.'
Tom Craggs, Natasha’s coach and Runner’s World UK head coach, said “it’s been my absolute honour and privilege to coach Tash Lewis who I’m devastated and heartbroken to say died after being hit by a car whilst on a run yesterday morning.”
It’s been my absolute honour and privilege to coach Tash Lewis who I’m devastated and heartbroken to say died after being hit by a car whilst on a run yesterday morning. Please share & donate if you can to support Tash’s wonderful Dave and her family. https://t.co/200cpPDgWS
— Tom Craggs (@thomascraggs) April 8, 2021
Olympian Emily Diamond, who previously trained with Natasha, also shared a tribute to Natasha.
'This is so heartbreaking… My sincere condolences to Dave and Tash’ family xx,' she said.
This is so heartbreaking 💔 I trained with Tash back when we were both Long Jumpers, and have followed her journey since as she has become a successful distance runner and gym owner 😔 My sincere condolences to Dave and Tash’ family xx https://t.co/VCsS1RywmH
— Emily Diamond OLY (@EmilyDiamond11) April 8, 2021
Team GB racewalker Erika Kelly said Natasha was 'a literal light in people’s lives with the most generous and happiest soul.'
This is heartbreaking. 💔 Tash, I’m so grateful for the opportunity of getting to meet & know you. You were a literal light in people’s lives with the most generous & happiest soul.
A GoFund me page has been set up in her memory - you can donate here: https://t.co/KE0UmhFoJW https://t.co/Jy8CfPJDaD— Erika Kelly (@erikakellymusic) April 8, 2021
Natasha trained and competed as an athlete alongside her work as a personal trainer and co-owner of a gym, Get Fit in Bath, which she dropped out of university to set up. On April 10, Get Fit in Bath tweeted that the gym’s doors would reopen on Monday:
'They will be open for Tash. They will be open because I know that her seeing them open for you all will put that smile on her face.'
On Monday our gym doors will once again be open. They will be open for Tash. They will be open because I know that her seeing them open for you all will put that smile on her face.
Love you @_NatashaLewis22
Bear xx pic.twitter.com/UuiIaD867K— Get Fit In Bath (@Getfitinbath) April 10, 2021
A fundraiser page set up in memory of Natasha, and to support her husband Dave, has so far raised £35,445, far exceeding the target of £5,000. According to the fundraiser's GoFundMe page, running was 'one of her top three things that brought her happiness in her life. It was her release and what set her up for the day before she went to the gym to help others.'
Avon and Somerset Police are appealing for information about the collision. A 19-year-old man was arrested in the connection with the incident and has since been released under investigation.
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