- Team Great Britain snowboarder Ellie Soutter was found dead on her 18th birthday on Wednesday.
- While the cause of death has not been made public, it is believed she died by suicide.
- Soutter was considered to be a rising star for Team Great Britain and was hoping to represent the country in the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Team Great Britain snowboarder Ellie Soutter was found dead earlier this week on what would have been her 18th birthday.
While the cause of death has not been made public, it is believed she died by suicide, according to MailOnline.
Soutter was considered to be a rising star for Team Great Britain and was hoping to represent the country in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
The teen's death was announced by her father, Tony, who wrote in a Facebook post: "This cruel world took my soul mate and 'Bessie' from me yesterday on her 18th birthday.
"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!"
British Ski and Snowboard, the UK's governing body behind the sport, paid tribute to Soutter on its website and urged people to get "support" from the suicide prevention charity Samaritans.
BSS said in its statement: "Ellie was one of the country's best up-and-coming snowboarders competing in both snowboard cross and freeride."
It added: "The thoughts and condolences of the British Ski & Snowboard community are with Ellie's family, friends and teammates."
British Olympic Association chair Hugh Robertson and Athlete Commission Chair Ben Hawes also released a statement following Soutter's death.
"Ellie was an incredibly popular and well-liked member of the team," they said in a joint statement. "Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time."
Last year Soutter won Team Great Britain's only medal at the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival in Turkey, heading home with a bronze in snowboard cross.
Soutter's career looked to be in jeopardy earlier this year due to a "lack of funds" for training and competing, according to The Metro.
But the teen was due to return to competition next month at the Junior World Championships in New Zealand.
Her official website described dreams of going to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing as her "ultimate ambition."
Soutter, who was raised in Surrey, England, but lived in the French Alps with her father, was an ambassador for the Les Gets Ski Station, according to her website.
For confidential support in the UK, call the Samaritans on 116123. In the US, call the suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Join the conversation about this story »
NOW WATCH: How NASA saved the world
0 Comments