BREAKING: Team GB snowboarder Ellie Soutter dies on 18th birthday

One of Britain’s most talented snowboarders, Soutter died on her 18th birthday,

She won bronze for Team GB at the Youth Olympic Winter Festival and was named this month in the GB senior snowboard cross Europa Cup circuit squad.

The 18-year-old rising star was tipped for a place in the Team GB squad for the 2022 Winter Olympics.

The tragic death was confirmed by Team GB today.

Her heartbroken father, Tony Soutter, paid tribute to his daughter. 

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 Olympic Association chair Hugh Robertson and BOA Athlete Commission chair Ben Hawes said in a joint statement: “Ellie was an incredibly popular andwell-likedd member of the team.

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

This is a breaking story. More to follow…