Olympic athlete Tori Bowie, 32, has died. The athlete was found dead on May 2 at her Florida home, as revealed by TMZ. Her death was confirmed a day later by her representation agency, Icon Management Inc. on social media:
“We’re devasted to share the very sad news that Tori Bowie has passed away. We’ve lost a client, dear friend, daughter and sister. Tori was a champion…a beacon of light that shined so bright! We’re truly heartbroken and our prayers are with the family and friends. pic.twitter.com/ES83SjM7u4
— Icon Management Inc. (@iconmanagement) May 3, 2023
The American athlete made headlines in 2016. During her participation in the Olympic Games in Brazil, she won three medals: silver in the 100 meters, bronze in the 200 meters and gold in the 4x100 relay. After this, although she had tried to stay active in the sports world, she was not so lucky. In fact, in 2021, she did not try out for the team that would represent the nation in the Tokyo Olympics.
Athletics world mourns the death of Tori Bowie
She did manage to leave her mark on other athletes with whom she coincided during her sporting career. Many took to social media to express their grief at Bowie's passing. Her rival, Shelly-Ann Frasey-Pryce, said on social media that Bowie's "energy and smile" would always be with her:
My heart breaks for the family of Tori Bowie. A great competitor and source of light. Your energy and smile will always be with me. Rest in peace.
— ShellyAnnFraserPryce (@realshellyannfp) May 3, 2023
Noah Lyles, the bronze medal-winning athlete at the Tokyo Olympics in the 200 meters, also reacted to Bowie's death and issued the following statement on Twitter:
I can’t believe this. I had just heard word of her going to be with her sister back home and now this. This breaks my heart to hear and I will keep the family in my prayers.
— Noah Lyles, OLY (@LylesNoah) May 3, 2023
*Update*
On June 13, 2023, a report from the Orange County Medical Examiner's Office in Florida stated that Bowie died due to complications in childbirth as she had "a well-developed fetus" of about eight months. Her death was due to delivery complications from eclampia, and no evidence of "foul play" was detected, as initially suspected.
