Drug Overdose, Enlarged Heart Cause of Bowman's Death

Former national figure skating champion Christopher Bowman died from a drug overdose and an enlarged heart, the coroner said Friday.
The 40-year-old Bowman was found dead inside a motel room in the city's North Hills neighborhood on Jan. 10.

The two-time champion's blood-alcohol level was 0.12%, said chief coroner's investigator Craig Harvey, and toxicology tests also revealed cocaine, Valium and marijuana.

Also present was the prescription medicine Seroquel, which is used to treat bipolar disorder, Harvey said.

The report said the death was accidental.

Harvey said Bowman's enlarged heart was not a condition he was born with, but developed over time. Substance abuse and weight gain could have been factors.

The autopsy report said at death, the 6-foot-1 Bowman weighed 261 pounds.

"There are a lot of factors that can contribute to an enlargement of the heart," Harvey said. "It doesn't put you in a better position, it puts you in a weaker position with what you put in your body. It puts your heart in a precarious position."

An initial autopsy done two days after Bowman's death was not conclusive, and police had said there was no sign of foul play or illegal drug use in the motel room where Bowman was found.

Keep Reading...

U.S. Championships Plan Video Tribute To Bowman

Christopher Bowman was a drug addict and an alcoholic, and he may have been the most electrifying figure skater in the history of the sport.

That last part will be remembered at 7 p.m. Friday, when the U.S. Figure Skating Championships pause for a video tribute and moment of silence for Bowman, who died last week at age 40.

Keep Reading...

Source: Mercury News

Funeral Servies Set For Christopher Bowman

Funeral services for two-time World medalist Christopher Bowman will be held Thursday, Jan. 17. The two-time U.S. champion and two-time Olympian died Jan. 10 in Los Angeles at the age of 40. Known as “Bowman the Showman” for his flamboyant skating style, Bowman was found in a motel room in the North Hills section of Los Angeles.

Services will begin at 1 p.m. at Saint Cyril's Catholic Church, 15520 Ventura Blvd., in Encino, Calif.

Keep Reading...

Source: USFSA

Christopher Bowman Update

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Coroner's officials might need to six to eight weeks to determine the cause of former figure skating star Christopher Bowman's death.

"The cause of death has been deferred pending further investigation," Los Angeles County coroner's Lt. Richard Hanna said Saturday following an autopsy.

The 40-year-old Bowman was found dead Thursday in a motel room in the North Hills area of the San Fernando Valley. Authorities have said prescription medication was found at the scene but they have not said what kind or in what quantity, and will have to wait for toxicology tests to determine whether there were drugs in his body.

Police have said there was no sign of foul play or illegal drug use.

Continue Reading...

Source: AP

Christopher Bowman "The Showman" Dead At Age 40

Sad news for long time skating fans. Christopher Bowman was found dead in an LA area motel room on Thursday. Autopsy results are pending but either an accidental drug overdose or possible suicide is early speculation. Bowman was well known for his checkered past and ability to rise to the occassion when competition time rolled around.

Known as "Bowman the Showman" for his ability to light up an arena, Bowman competed in two Olympics, finishing seventh in 1988 and fourth in 1992. He also won two U.S. titles and silver and bronze medals at the world championships.

"If I had to pick the three most talented skaters of all time, I would pick Christopher as one," said Brian Boitano, the 1988 Olympic champion, after learning of Bowman's death.

Continue reading...


Source: Chicago Tribune