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'Bowman the Showman' Found Dead

Figure skating champ's body in LA motel, overdose suspected

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 11, 2008 2:50 AM CST
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(Newser) – Former US figure skating champion Christopher Bowman was found dead yesterday in a Los Angeles motel room, AP reports. Authorities suspect a drug overdose. Bowman, 40, won US figure skating titles in 1988 and 1992 and wowed the crowds at the 1988 and 1992 Winter Olympics. His flamboyant personality and exuberant performances won him the nickname "Bowman the Showman," but his life off the ice was troubled.

Bowman admitted he had a cocaine problem during his skating career and spent time at a rehab clinic. He also had run-ins with the law on gun charges in recent years. The former child actor moved to California from Detroit last year and had returned to acting. He won a role as an assistant coach in the upcoming Brian De Palma film Down and Distance.

Former US figure skating champion Christopher Bowman, 40, has been found dead in a Los Angeles motel room. Authorities suspect a drug overdose and will perform an autopsy this weekend.
Former US figure skating champion Christopher Bowman, 40, has been found dead in a Los Angeles motel room. Authorities suspect a drug overdose and will perform an autopsy this weekend.   (Getty Images)
Two-time US figure skating champion Richard Bowman, who had a flamboyant personality on the ice and a troubled life off it, has died at the age of 40.
Two-time US figure skating champion Richard Bowman, who had a flamboyant personality on the ice and a troubled life off it, has died at the age of 40.   (Getty Images)
Figure skater Christopher Bowman, 40, finished seventh at the 1988 Winter Olympics and fourth in 1992. He has been found dead in a Los Angeles hotel room. Authorities suspect a drug overdose but did not comment on whether they thought the death was an accident or a suicide.
Figure skater Christopher Bowman, 40, finished seventh at the 1988 Winter Olympics and fourth in 1992. He has been found dead in a Los Angeles hotel room. Authorities suspect a drug overdose but did not...   (Getty Images)
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skating • overdose • Olympic Games • figure skating

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