Team GB snowboarder Ellie Soutter has died on her 18th birthday.

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."

The teenager, who died on Wednesday, was considered a rising star in the sport, having won bronze at the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival in Turkey last year.

She was just 16 at the time, and it was the only medal Team GB took home from the event.


Upon achieving the podium finish, she told British Ski and Snowboard (BSS): "I don't think it's quite sunk in yet. I'm a little bit emotional. I cried as I crossed the line."

BSS described her as "one of the country's best up-and-coming snowboarders".

Ellie, who grew up in Surrey before moving to the Alps, 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 also an inaugural member of the British Europa Cup snowboard cross programme, which got under way earlier this year, and had been tipped for a place in the squad for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

Ellie described a call-up to the Olympics as her "ultimate ambition" and was being coached French Olympic silver medallist Deborah Anthonioz.

Her father, Tony Soutter, said he was "so proud of the beautiful young woman she had turned into".

"This cruel world took my soulmate and 'Bessie' from me yesterday on her 18th birthday," he posted on Facebook.

"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!"

After issuing a statement paying tribute to her, BSS 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.