Three-time Olympic medalist Torie Bowie was eight months pregnant and in active labor when she died at the age of 32.
According to The Guardian, she was found dead at her Florida home on May 2 after police carried out a welfare check of a woman in her 30s.
In a heartbreaking post on Instagram, her management confirmed the news: “We’re devastated o share the very sad news that Tori Bowie has passed away. We’ve lost a client, dear friend, daughter, and sister.”
It continued: “Tori was a champion…a beacon of light that shined so bright! We’re truly heartbroken and our prayers are with the family, friends, and everyone that loved her.
“As the story continues to develop, we ask that you please respect our privacy.”
It has been revealed that Bowie passed away from childbirth complications, with the Orange County (Florida) Medical Examiner’s Office report disclosing that she was 8 months pregnant and in active labor when she died.
Officials also said possible difficulties that Boqie had included eclampsia and respiratory distress.
According to Cleveland Clinic, eclampsia is seizures that happen in pregnant women with preeclampsia. Symptoms include convulsions, headaches, high blood pressure, and blurry vision.
Broadcaster BET took to Twitter and said that US-born Black women experience far higher rates of pre-eclampsia than people from other backgrounds.
“Black women die at exceedingly higher rates due to pregnancy-related complications,” BET wrote on Twitter.
“We face a much higher risk of maternal death due to various reasons including chronic stress and implicit bias from health care providers. There is so much work to be done to properly protect and advocate for Black women’s health,” BET continued.
According to the medical examiner, the manner of Bowe’s death has been ruled natural.
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