ATHLETICS
Tori Bowie’s cause of death: autopsy report reveals track star died from complications during childbirth
An autopsy report has revealed Tori Bowie’s cause of death after the former Olympic sprinter was found dead at her home in Florida at the beginning of May.
The autopsy of athlete Tori Bowie has revealed the Olympic gold medal winner died from complications during childbirth.
Bowie, who won gold, silver, and bronze medals at the Rio Olympic Games in 2016 and became world champion a year later, died at the age of 32 on May 2 this year.
Bowie, a standout long jumper at the University of Southern Mississippi, was discovered dead at her home in Florida after sheriff’s deputies were asked to conduct a well-being check on her after she had not been seen or heard for several days. Her death was announced the following day by her management company.
Bowie’s cause of death
At the time of her death there was speculation over Bowie’s death, however the autopsy report from the Orange County (Florida) Medical Examiner’s Office, obtained by USA Today Sports, said she died from complications during childbirth. It also revealed that Bowie was approximately eight months pregnant and was in labor when she died.
Officials said possible complications included respiratory distress and eclampsia, which is the onset of seizures or a coma related to preeclampsia, a high blood pressure disorder that can occur during pregnancy. The manner of death was ruled natural, the medical examiner’s office added.
Did the baby survive Bowie’s death
The information released from the autopsy report indicated only that there was a “well-developed fetus”, in line with Bowie being around eight months pregnant. According to Bowie’s online obituary, the baby, Ariana, predeceased her.
Autopsy ends “hurtful” speculation over Bowie’s cause of death
Bowie’s agent Kimberly Holland stated the news would end the “hurtful” speculation about Bowie’s cause of death.
“Unfortunately so many people, including the media, are making speculations that she did something to herself, which is very hurtful. So hopefully, now knowing the truth, there will be many apologies”, she said.
Bowie last competed in athletics in the long jump at the 2019 World Championships.