Ellie Soutter death: the sporting life of rising star Team GB snowboarder as tributes flood in following her tragic death aged 18

Alexandra Richards27 July 2018

Tributes have poured in for one of the “country’s best up and coming snowboarders” Ellie Soutter who died suddenly on her 18th birthday with many hailing her impressive sporting career.

Team GB released a statement confirming the young athlete had died on Thursday which read: “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.”

British Olympic Association chairman Hugh Robertson and athlete commission chairman Ben Hawes said: “Ellie was an incredibly popular and well-liked member of the team.

"Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time."

Tributes have been paid to Team GB snowboarder Ellie Soutter
Team GB

Ms Soutter was a rising star in the sporting world after proving herself to be an incredible athlete at junior level.

Specialising in the Freeride and Boardercross disciplines, she was tipped to be in with a chance of competing in the Winter Olympics in Beijing in 2022.

At age 16 she claimed GB’s only medal at the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival in Erzurum, Turkey taking home a bronze.

'Bessie': Ellie's father posted an emotional tribute to her
Facebook

She was due to represent the UK again after being selected for the Junior World Championships in New Zealand.

The athlete was also a member of the British Europa Cup snowboard cross programme which began this year.

Tragic: Ellie Soutter died on her 18th birthday
Team GB

Alongside this, she was an ambassador for Les Gets Ski Station in the French Alps.

But at the beginning of 2018 her career appeared to be in jeopardy due to the steep cost of competing.

Ms Soutter was forced to pull out of training due to “lack of funds.”

Her father launched a public fundraising drive on Facebook announcing that his daughter’s programme had 'come to a halt' because of the huge cost of a season in the sport - at £24,000.

However, Ms Soutter was able to resume training when she won a sponsorship from financial services firm Carne and was back competing in March 2018.

Ms Soutter’s mother Lorraine Denman is a body builder and former beauty queen who lives in Hove, East Sussex.

Her father Tony Soutter lived with his daughter in the French Alps.

He paid tribute to his daughter on Thursday evening describing his daughter as his “soul mate.”

He said: “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 were among the first to pay tribute to the athlete and urged young people to seek support from the Samaritans or Childline.

It said: “Ellie was one of the country’s best up-and-coming snowboarders, competing in both snowboard cross and freeride.

"A bronze medallist in snowboard cross at the 2017 European Youth Olympic Winter Festival in Erzurum, Turkey, Ellie claimed Team GB’s only medal of the event.

"She spent the 2017/18 season competing on the Freeride Junior Tour, but was due to return to snowboard cross competition next month after being selected in the British team for the Junior World Championships in New Zealand. 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.

Team GB team mate Maisie Hill posted tribute to her friend on Instagram, she wrote: “Have a good ride up there Ellie.”

Another friend and fellow snowboarder Corah Philips also paid tribute, she wrote: “It was never long enough with you Ellie. A constant see you soon, will now last forever.

“Ellie you didn’t carry an inch of b******, you laughed about the crudest s***, and made the dullest of nights hilarious and f*** mate did you have a stomach for VBs.

“The most alive person I knew, you embraced everyday with the most genuine notion.

“Ellie was the only person I have taken photos of that shocked me, there was something in her eyes, a spark, a knowledge, a fire...the most genuine legend.

“Ellie I miss you, forever.”

British Ski Cross Athlete Emily Sarsfield paid tribute to Ms Soutter online.

She said: “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.

After issuing a statement paying tribute to her, British Ski & Snowboard referred the media to the Samaritans.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call the Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK.

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