Authorities have revealed Olympic medalist Frentorish (aka Tori) Bowie’s cause of death was due to complications of childbirth. She is said to have been eight months pregnant and in labor at the time of her death. The recent update was released Tuesday by her agent Kimberly Holland.
“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,” Holland shared in a statement.
Bowie’s autopsy cites respiratory distress and eclampsia as likely complications that arose during her childbirth.
The former track and field star passed away in May at 32 years old. It was days before she was found, According to the New York Times. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department says deputies found Bowie dead in her home after they were asked to conduct a wellness check.
The police department never suspected foul play in Bowie’s death. The wellness check was carried out because Bowie hadn’t been heard from in several days.
Pre-eclampsia Rates and Black Women
Pre-eclampsia, is a fatal medical condition where high blood pressure developed during a pregnancy can turn into eclampsia. Eclampsia is a severe health complication that brings on seizures and could possibly lead to a coma.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Eclampsia typically occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. It’s rare and affects less than 3% of people with preeclampsia. Eclampsia can cause complications during pregnancy and requires emergency medical care.”
This condition, as stated by numerous studies, has a high risk of affecting U.S born Black women, more than their foreign born counterparts.
According to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Preeclampsia is one of the chief causes of maternal deaths globally. However, Black women are three-to-four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, which includes Pre-eclampsia.
A Bright Star
Before her death, Bowie was a World Champion sprinter and three time Olympic medalist. She took home three medals at the 2016 Rio Olympic games.
Bowie grew up in Mississippi with her grandmother who took her and her sister in after they were left in foster care. She initially began her career as a long jumper before shifting focus to sprinting where she quickly became one of Team USA’s fastest women.