Christopher Bowman Found Dead

Former U.S. Figure Skating Champion Christopher Bowman was found dead from a suspected drug overdose in a budget motel in Los Angeles, according to a story by AFP. He was just 40 years old. His death marks the sad end of a life illuminated by flashes of brilliance only to be extinguished by the darkness that seemed to plague Bowman his entire career.

Bowman first came to the public's attention as a child actor on Little House on the Prarie, and though he had recently returned to acting, it is as a figure skater that he will always be remembered.

He was known for an explosive, charismatic style that made him a favorite with the audiences and judges alike and earned him the nickname "Bowman the Showman." In a sport that had always rewarded skaters that were sedate and proper, Bowman's flashy programs laid the groundwork for later skating stars like World Champion Elvis Stoyko and U.S. Champion Johnny Weir. He was the U.S. Junior Champion in in 1983 and won the Junior World Championship that same year. While he won the U.S Championship in 1989 and 1992, he was unable to claim the world title, although he did place second in 1989 and third in 1990. He was also a competitor in the 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games.

His on-ice successes were often overshadowed by his off-ice troubles. He was an admittedly undisciplined skater, finding the daily grind of practice difficult. In spite of his lax training routine, Bowman always delivered in competition. After sticking with world renowned figure skating coach Frank Carroll for 18 years, he jumped ship and changed coaches twice (Toller Cranston and John Nicks) before ending his competitive career. In 1988, Bowman checked into the Betty Ford Center after admitting to a cocaine habit. He underwent treatment again in 1992 after the Albertville Olympic games. His troubles continued when he was beaten in a Pittsburgh hotel while he was touring with Ice Capades.

Fans of figure skating expressed sadness at Bowman's death, but little surprise.

"I've expected this for a long time," said Sean McIntyre. "I'm just surprised that it didn't happen earlier. It's still sad, though."

Most figure skating fans, however, chose to concentrate on the positive memories of Bowman.

"I met him in L.A. Over twenty years ago," said fan Jeanette Wallace. "I had my picture taken with him and he was so nice. I still have the picture."

Bowman is survived by a daughter.

Source: AFP- Ex-US figure skating champ Bowman found dead in L.A. motel