Topline
American sprinter and three-time Olympic medallist Tori Bowie died from complications of childbirth, according to an autopsy report obtained by USA Today Sports, ending speculation surrounding her death and underscoring the glaring disparities in maternal health for Black women in America.
Tori Bowie died of complications in childbirth, the autopsy report said.
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Key Facts
The report from the Orange County Medical Examiner Office estimated Bowie was eight months pregnant and in labor at the time of her death in May.
The report listed respiratory distress and eclampsia—the onset of seizures during pregnancy and considered a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment—as possible causes of death.
Bowie’s death was “natural,” the report determined.
Bowie’s agent, Kimberly Holland, confirmed Bowie was in labor at the time of her death and that she died from complications of childbirth, according to CBS News.
Holland said there had been a great deal of “very hurtful” speculation surrounding Bowie’s death and hoped there will be “many apologies” now the truth is known.
News Peg
Bowie was found dead in May at her home in Florida after local police conducted a welfare check. The 32-year-old had reportedly not been seen or heard from for days and officials released little information on the circumstances surrounding Bowie’s death, prompting some speculation and rumors on social media. Bowie was a world champion athlete and three-times Olympic medallist—picking up bronze, silver and gold for Team USA in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games—and her death was mourned by both those close to her and the wider athletics community.
Key Background
The vast majority of pregnancy related deaths are readily preventable with proper care and maternal mortality rates in the U.S. are exceptionally high compared to other wealthy nations. The high mortality rates are even higher for Black women, who are around three to four times more likely to die in pregnancy and childbirth than white women. The death of Bowie—a world-class athlete—from complications of childbirth underscores this disparity, which was highlighted by the broadcaster BET. It is part of a broader health burden disproportionately shouldered by Black women, who face systemic struggles accessing healthcare, have lower life expectancies, higher death rates than most Americans from many causes and greater rates of conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Further Reading
US Olympian Tori Bowie died from complications of childbirth, autopsy finds (USA Today Sports)
Olympic gold medalist Tori Bowie died from complications of childbirth, her agent says (CBS News)
