Tori Bowie, the sprinter who made headlines back in 2016 after she took home three medals at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, has sadly passed away.
Bowie was 32.
“We’re devastated to share the very sad news that Tori Bowie has passed away,” Icon Management Inc. tweeted. “We’ve lost a client, dear friend, daughter and sister. Tori was a champion … a beacon of light that shined so bright! We’re truly heartbroken and our prayers are with the family and friends.”
Bowie was discovered when deputies with the sheriff’s office in Orange County, Florida, were contacted to conduct a wellness check Tuesday afternoon as she had been missing for several days. Deputies found Bowie dead at the home. There were no signs of foul play.
Bowie graduated from Pisgah High School before attending the University of Southern Mississippi. During the 2016 Rio Olympics, she won a silver medal in the 100m dash and a bronze in the 200m dash. Bowie was also a part of the U.S. 4x100m relay team, where they nabbed the gold medal. The following year, she won the race at the world championships in London, finishing less than a hundredth of a second ahead of the Ivory Coast’s Marie-Josee Ta Lou.
Her loss has been deeply felt.
U.S. hurdler Lolo Jones tweeted, “Too young. Gutted to hear about Tori Bowie. Incredible talent. A beautiful runner. I pray for the comfort of her family, thank your for blessing us with her. The running community mourns an incredible loss.”
“USATF is deeply saddened by the passing of Tori Bowie, a three-time Olympic medalist and two-time world champion,” USA Track and Field CEO Max Siegel said in a statement, per AP News. “A talented athlete, her impact on the sport is immeasurable, and she will be greatly missed.”