Olympic sprinter Tori Bowie died from childbirth complications, autopsy finds
Written by laserteam on June 13, 2023
(NBC News) – World champion sprinter and three-time Olympic medalist Tori Bowie died from complications related to childbirth, an autopsy found.
A report obtained by NBC News from the Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office in Florida said Bowie, who died at age 32, had a “well developed fetus.” The athlete was estimated to have been 8 months pregnant and there was evidence that she was “undergoing labor (crowning)” at the time of her death, according to the medical examiner’s report.
The manner of death was ruled natural, and toxicology results were negative, the medical examiner’s office said.
The autopsy found that possible complications contributing to Bowie’s death included respiratory distress and eclampsia — the onset of seizures or a coma related to preeclampsia, a high blood pressure disorder that can occur during pregnancy, according to the Mayo Clinic.
“Eclampsia can happen without any previously observed signs or symptoms of preeclampsia,” the Mayo Clinic states on its website.
“Signs and symptoms that may appear before seizures include severe headaches, vision problems, mental confusion or altered behaviors. But, there are often no symptoms or warning signs,” it says, noting that eclampsia can occur before, during or after delivery.
Bowie’s death was announced on May 3 by her management company and USA Track & Field.
