18-year-old Olympic snowboarder found dead on her birthday

Ellie Soutter, a British rising star when it comes to snowboarding, has been found dead on her birthday and her passing has deeply affected those who knew her.

Ellie was known as a diamond in the rough and great things were expected of her. She won bronze at the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival, in 2017, and was on her way to compete at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

The British Ski and Snowboard claimed that she has one of the most promising snowboarders in the country, competing both in snowboard cross and freeride.

Some news outlets, such as the Express, advanced that the young athlete had killed herself, but, so far, no official cause of death has been released, with it being only described as 'sudden'

Please consider following us on our Twitter account @amomama_usa to learn more.

The 18-year-old's body was found in remote woodland near her home in the French Alps on Wednesday, July 25, 2018, by police tracker dogs summoned after the family reported Soutter's disappearance.

The late athlete, who was chosen to be a part of the British team for the Junior World Championships in New Zealand, moved to the Alps after living a great part of her life in Surrey.

Her death has taken a very heavy toll on her family and friends. On Thursday, her father, Tony Soutter, took to Facebook to pay his daughter a tribute, telling her how proud he was of her.

"This cruel world took my soulmate and "Bessie" from me yesterday on her 18th birthday. Ellie, I will miss you more than you could have ever imagined. Rest in peace you little Champion!"

Tony Soutter, Facebook, July 26, 2018

Amy Williams, a former British skeleton racer and Olympic gold medallist, also used social to honor Ellie's death, considering her passing a true tragedy.