One of the more colorful characters in American men's figure skating, Christopher Bowman, who also had the moniker "Bowman the Showman," was found dead in North Hills, California of a possible drug overdose. Bowman was 40.
Bowman had a troubled life at times, and confessed that he had a bad cocaine habit. Before the 1988 Olympics he had to check himself into the Betty Ford Center.
He was also involved in a gun incident one time where he was drunk and was charged with a misdemeanor, for which he was sentenced to an 18-month probation.
Bowman evidently died in his sleep in a room at the Budget Inn. The Detroit Free Press was told by his mother that “He just passed away in his sleep. His friend told me that he was fine. He just went to bed and didn’t wake up.” At this time it's not known if his death was accidental or a suicide. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday.
Christopher Bowman Performing 1991 US National Championship
Along with his skating prowess, Bowman had also acted in his childhood, appearing on "Little House on the Prairie" for a full season, and also was in a ton of commercials.
He was called "Bowman the Showman" because in a short time he could light up the crowd. Bowman appeared in two Olympics, finishing seventh in the 1988 Olympics and fourth in 1992. He was U.S. champion twice and won the silver and bronze medals at the world championships.
Bowman has a daughter who lives in Michigan.
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