Here at BDPE we're no strangers to the dangers of figure skating. We aren't shocked when some skaters fall to the pressures of competition and turn to vices as an escape. The only thing we think would be tougher than being a figure skating champion would be to also be a former child actor. Apparently Christopher Bowman needed a lift.
Former U.S. figure skating champion and Olympian Christopher Bowman died of a "possible overdose," according to a statement from the Los Angeles County Coroner. He was 40.
"He just passed away in his sleep," Bowman's mother, Joyce, told the Detroit Free Press, which first reported details of his death, according to The Associated Press. "His friend told me that he was fine. He just went to bed and didn't wake up."We have to wonder if someone had noticed in recent years that Bowman was skating on some very thin ice. At times like these, we're reminded of lyrics from the OPM song "Heaven is a Halfpipe":
Bowman was also a former child actor and played a part in the TV series "Little House on the Prairie." Bowman battled drug problems and underwent treatment at least twice, according to AP -- once before the 1988 Olympics and then again after the Albertville Games in 1992.
If I die before I wake/at least in heaven I can skate.
[CNN]
