Reports emerging indicate that Olympic track and field champion, Tori Bowie, died from childbirth complications aged 32.
This was made known by Kimberly Holland, Bowie’s agent, in a statement to CBS News.
“Unfortunately, so many people, including the media, are making speculations that she did something to herself, which is very hurtful,” Holland explained.
“So hopefully, now knowing the truth, there will be many apologies.”
According to a report from the Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office obtained by USA Today, the 32-year-old had a “well-developed fetus” and was undergoing labor at the time of her death. She was about 8 months pregnant, and her death was ruled natural, according to the medical examiner.
News of the three-time Olympic sprint medalist’s death first broke after her management company shared a social media statement on 3 May.
After news of Bowie’s death was revealed, Olympians from around the world took to social media to pay tribute to her legacy.
READ ALSO: US Olympic Medalist Tori Bowie Reportedly Dies At 32
Bowie was raised by her grandmother in the small town of Sandhill, Mississippi after she was left at a foster home, according to the Associated Press. She envisioned herself playing basketball before she was persuaded to try track. She quickly excelled at the sport and went on to win state championships in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and long-jump events.
Bowie helped the U.S. win gold in the 100-meter relay at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Meanwhile, she won silver in the 100-meter sprint and bronze in the 200-meter at the 2016 Games.
She went on to win gold in the 100-meter race at the IAAF World Championships the next year, while also helping the U.S. retain gold in the 100-meter relay.
She later attended college at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she became a three-time All-American and won two long jump titles in both indoor and outdoor events in 2011.
After winning her three medals at the 2016 Games, Mississippi made November 25 “Tori Bowie Day,” an honor she called “special” and “humbling.”
