Olympic gold medallist Tori Bowie found dead aged 32

The global track and field community is in mourning following the sudden and shocking news of Tori Bowie's death.

An Olympic medallist, Bowie was one of Team USA's star athletes at the 2016 Games in Rio.

But in truly devastating news, her management has confirmed that she has passed away.

Bowie was just 32 years of age.

“We’re devastated to share the very sad news that Tori Bowie has passed away. We’ve lost a client, dear friend, daughter and sister,” Icon Management tweeted.

"We’ve lost a client, dear friend, daughter and sister. Tori was a champion… a beacon of light that shined so bright!"

USA Track and Field lead the chorus of condolences.

“USATF is deeply saddened by the passing of Tori Bowie, a three-time Olympic medalist and two-time world champion. A talented athlete, her impact on the sport is immeasurable, and she will be greatly missed,” the federation’s chief executive, Max Siegel, said in a statement.

Meanwhile, a post from World Athletics read: "World Athletics is deeply saddened by the passing of Tori Bowie, the 2017 world 100m champion and multiple Olympic medallist.

"Condolences go out to her family and friends."

A bunch of other big-name athletes as well as fans have flocked to social media to pay their respects and send messages of support to Bowie's family.

Upcoming star Noah Lyles was one of those people, writing: "I can’t believe this. I had just heard word of her going to be with her sister back home and now this.

"This breaks my heart to hear and I will keep the family in my prayers."

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, local law enforcement responded to a call for a “for a wellbeing check of a woman in her 30s who had not been seen or heard from in several days”.

It's understood police then entered Bowie's home and found her dead, claiming “there were no signs of foul play”.

Bowie was a member of Team USA's relay team which won gold at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil.

She was also the silver medallist in the 100m and a bronze medallist in the 200m.

The following year she became the best in the world, winning gold in the relay and 100m events at the World Athletic Championships in London

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Athletics, United States, US Sports, Olympics

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry