This is such a shame.

may god blees him

I do not at all share your obsession with ice skating. But my sister was a Dorothy Hamill wanna-be back in the day. And she skated in the same rink as the very young Christopher Bowman. So I was lucky enough to see him skate in a show once when he was a tiny terror. Even as a kid, he had "it." Energy, charisma, talent.

Too bad.

I had a huge crush on the Showman back in the day and saw him skate at the 91 nationals. I puffy painted a hat that said "Congratulations Chris" (even though he ended up second) and got the sweatiest hug ever from him after the competition. It really made me sad this morning. Strange how much harder programs have gotten isn't it. The spins, footwork, and of course jumps are so different.

Oh, I also had such a crush on him back in the day! And I hadn't heard anything of what had become of him, or that he died. Thanks for this, Jill.

Thank you so much for posting the video, may we all remember him this way. He always said he wanted to leave us wanting more. I was practicing the day they choreographed the Wolly Bully number, which Chris finished in his own way. Having been one of those dance partners, I appreciate seeing the number again. Christopher went out of his way to reach out to everyone. His good deeds were countless and done quietly, in private. Those he touched would never forget the special day Chris brought joy into their life.

Christopher Bowman had more than ADHD, childhood or adult. Chris Bowman had bipolar disorder. See the 1/10/08 Detroit Free Press article that reported his death. If you knew anything about the sufferings caused by bipolar disorder (apparently, you do not), you would never have referred to Chris as a someone with a "ten cent head." I suggest you retract your negative assessment of his head, and commit yourself to learning more about the fruits (both good and bad) of imbalanced brain chemistry. Ignorance of mental illness and insensitivity towards its sufferers is appalling to me, repulsive. I did not know Chris Bowman had bipolar disorder when I began to read online articles about his passing, but the more I read, the more I began looking for answers, something to explain his flamboyant charisma, amazing talent and his life choices. When I read the Detroit Free Press article, I'd found my answer. Don't be so quick to judge. Be glad you are not similarly afflicted, and commit yourself to praying (an act of charity which requires humility) for those who are.

Ceci, if you had left an e-mail address, I would have responded to your comment privately. But I guess I'll do it here.

I think you misunderstood what I meant by "ten-cent head." It's actually a reference to the movie Bull Durham, in which the pitching prodigy played by Tim Robbins is described as having "a million dollar arm and a ten-cent head."

I happen to work in the mental health field in the area of mental health research. I have a friend who lost her adult ADHD daughter to drugs, and another who is now dealing with it in her son. I am very familiar with what bipolar disorder is.

It was while watching some of Bowman's old videos on YouTube and listening to commentators' comments about him, it's clear that THEY all thought he had a "ten cent head." Then when I heard one of them talk about him having been an "overactive child", I immediately figured that he was probably ADHD, and of course it wasn't diagnosed as such in those days. After I wrote this piece, and especially reading more about his last six months, I too began wondering if perhaps he was also bipolar. I'm not a medical professional (and I'm not Bill Frist) so I'm not qualified to make definitive medical diagnoses based on videos and newspaper articles. But from the information available to the public, his "ups" were certainly consistent with mania, and of course they never told us about the down phases.

So you see, you and I have taken the exact same journey in wanting to know more about how this happened and why he was never able to succeed in getting his life together. I wanted to know BECAUSE I sensed that there was a mental illness aspect to this.

One thing to note: the Detroit Free Press article you mentioned seems to have been updated since early in the morning after Bowman's death, because early versions of the article didn't mention bipolar. You may rest assured that had I seen a reference to having sought treatment for bipolar disorder, I would have taken the opportunity to write more about that.

There is a great deal of research going on right now about childhood bipolar because it seems to be the catchall diagnosis these days. There is an interesting program running on "Frontline" (you can watch it online) called "The Medicated Child" which focuses on the inexact science of medicating child mental disorders. In some ways we have come so far in that a child like Christopher Bowman would today receive help much sooner. And yet we have a long way to go.

Judgmental? Hardly. I hope this clarifies my points and sets your mind at ease. If not, I'd be happy to take the conversation to private e-mail (address is in the upper-right sidebar).

Thanks for posting that last video. So much feeling underscoring brilliant talent and joy of performing.

A great tribute to Chris expressing sheer life force energy and sharing it with others.

I don't know what we find, when we step through the veil, but I hope that's what Chris is doing now.

I as a child had the pleasure of skating with Chris. Even though my coach was his ex-wife Annette, he gave me pointers daily. I will never forget when he helped land my double toe.

Jill, I think you should know that Chris had a hell of a lot of trouble in his last few years. He barely saw his now 10 year old daughter Bianca, and her mother Annette, has full custody. And with him living in California and Annette and Bianca living in Michigan, yeah that's got to suck.

But none of you guys ever knew Chris like I did. He was an amazing human being with a contagious personality. Always ready to get out there on the ice and just work till you puke your brains out! If you were to screw up, his anger was rather funny. He was a fun loving guy, and it tares my heart that i haven't seen him in about 3 years since I quit skating, nor will I ever again...

I hope that if anyone would like to say anything ignorant or negative about Bowman the Snowman haha, you let me know.

Thank you for posting your Bowman memories. There are many of us who only knew his skating and remember how he turned the sport on its ear. He was a kind of mad genius (and I mean that in a positive, not a derogatory sense) and skating has never seen anything like him since. Even today, almost two decades later, his joy of skating and astounding technique still shines through. Today's male skaters are drab and uninteresting by comparison. The last I heard anything about him until the day he died was in 1998 with the Inside Edition profile.

All over the internet, people who knew him are posting glowing anecdotes about the man. For those who only admired his work, these anecdotes like yours are a gift. Those who knew him the way you did, also received a gift -- the gift of knowing such a dynamic and unique individual. I hope that in the aftermath of grief, these memories give you some measure of comfort.

Thanks again for posting.

A cetain someone needs to stop speaking to the Detroit press and running her mouth about Christopher's personal life. He is the last one to respect someone's 15 minutes of fame at his expense.

Jill,

Thanks for your response. Please see an online article published by Canada's "The Globe and Mail" entitled "The Showman shines no more." It includes even more anecdotal evidence of Christopher Bowman's bipolar disorder. Had anyone witnessing his behavior been intelligent and informed enough to properly identify it as symptomatic of bipolar disorder, Christopher Bowman might still be among the living (living mortals, that is) today. Christopher Bowman's tragic and untimely death can be attributed, in large part, to the stigma associated with mental illness, in general, and the consequent widespread ignorance of behaviors that indicate the presence of bipolar disorder, a brain chemistry imbalance that is no one's fault, and most certainly not the fault of the sufferer. Had Christopher been properly diagnosed much earlier in life, there's no doubt that his life would have played out in a much different and infinitely better way than it has. May his death not be in vain. "Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen."

Ceci, I went back and looked through some articles in the NY Times archive, and you are right -- with what we know now about bipolar disorder, it's clear that much of the "bad boy" behavior that he displayed was archetypal, textbook mania. One article done while he was with Ice Capades described him as talking about reinstating for the Lillehammer Olympics and training to compete -- then going off on vacation for a few months before starting training. The grandiosity, the whole thing -- it's all there.

It's also interesting to note that recent studies have shown that when bipolar is present alongside ADHD, the suffers tend to not have as many of the "down" times of bipolar.

You are right about the stigma of mental illness at that time, and especially with bipolar -- a stigma that is only starting to lift now. Who knows what he would have accomplished if he'd been treated. Or even if his genius was a function of his illness and today's medications would have dulled that, he sure as heck might have had a happier life and not died far too young in a cheap motel.

I read that Bowman's family wants memorial donations to the figure skating foundation, but I think the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Founation would be a worthy cause too.

Regarding this posting;

Anonymous said...
A cetain someone needs to stop speaking to the Detroit press and running her mouth about Christopher's personal life. He is the last one to respect someone's 15 minutes of fame at his expense.
1/17/08 1:56 AM

I completely agree with the above posting. I think we all know who this someone is. Lying about her 6 year relationship with someone who can't even defend themselves for her sick 15 mins of fame. She was his stalker who he had restraining orders against. Ask his Ex-Wife, friends.

Focus; This is a time for Christopher's family to grieve his loss. His family; Mother, Father, Daughter, and his daughters mother, ex-wife Annette.

God Bless and may he Finally Rest in Peace. He is missed already.

Ceci, I found the article you mentioned (for others, it's here. The author is a terrible writer who makes me wonder why she gets paid to write and I slave away every day over my morning coffee, but no matter. It's yet another article that alludes to mental illness and shows that the author either just doesn't get it, or that bipolar disorder is still stigmatized. Bipolar isn't "a different way of looking at the world" and the "bizarre" things people do in mania aren't done from will.

The stand-up comic Marc Maron has a bit in which his bipolar dad calls him in the middle of the night with the "great idea" of building a theme park. It's funny, but it's also tragic, because it so embodies the impulsivity and grandiosity that characterizes people suffering from this disorder.

I've read the comments regarding a certain stalker of Chris's. This really concerns me because no press has mentioned that he was married at the time of his death, but yet when you look on a certain website of Chris's movie and film bio it has him married on Dec. 25, 2007 to "his death". What is all that about? I am just another adoring fan of the late great Christopher Bowman and will miss his greatness.

I am concerned with the comments about Christopher having a stalker. I am just another adoring fan of his and when I checked out his film and bio website it says that he was married Dec 25 2007 "until his death". No press has mentioned this. What is that all about? We will miss him dearly.

As a mother of two bipolar teenage sons, I certainly understand the pain Chris and his family must have gone through. I am very thankful to God that my sons will not have to suffer without the necessary medicine and doctor's care. How sad that Chris did not have an earlier diagnosis. It is a very frightening disease and the fact that the general public does not acknowledge it's existence leaves you feeling very much alone. My sympathy goes out to his family. From 1981 to 1987 I traveled to many of the high level figure skating competitions and had the pleasure of experiencing Chris at his best. What a joy. I shall miss his smile. God rest his soul. In his memory we can all be a little kinder to someone with mental illness. They really need an understanding shoulder to lean on.

Jill,

Thanks again for your remarks. I saw the PBS program about "The Medicated Child," by the way. The irresponsible experimentation that’s being done by doctors on children is criminal, for sure. Sadly, it’s not much better than what they’re doing to adults. I know from personal experience (bipolar disorder runs in my family) that traditional psychiatric medical practice has become drugs-only, and as many drugs as possible, for that matter. I have seen psychiatrists turn my family members into overmedicated zombies (6, 7, 8 medications at once) with a very poor quality of life as a result. I am not at all impressed.

I have no doubt that Christopher's brilliance as a skater was to some degree, and probably a very large one, the fruit of his extraordinary brain chemistry and the altogether remarkable abilities of a person experiencing mania. It does seem that his bipolar manifested predominantly as mania and I, too, suspect that this has an ADHD connection. In contrast, my family members don’t have ADHD; their bipolar disorder has been marked by prolonged depressive episodes and only periodic mania.

Sadly, in my experience, the stigma associated with mental illness, in general, and bipolar disorder, in particular, is just about as bad now as it was in the past. The stigma is a crippling fruit of ignorance, a prison of secrecy, silence and shame that traps mental illness and the mentally ill, and does not allow them to "live in the light" and be accepted as gifted, though different, individuals.

I have no doubt that today's psychiatric drugs would have dulled Christopher's brilliance as a skater and a charismatic individual, but an earlier diagnosis would perhaps have given him a better understanding of himself, and the opportunity to choose a better quality of life for himself.

While I mourn his loss, and am grieved over his sufferings here on earth, I trust that He will be free of pain in his eternal life, and I rejoice with him that his sufferings here have come to an end. May he enjoy eternal peace, and intercede mightily for those who still suffer from bipolar disorder. As the mother of two teenage boys with bipolar disorder said in the previous comment: “In his memory we can all be a little kinder to [those] with mental illness. They really need an understanding shoulder to lean on.” Amen to that!

Ceci, I think there may very well be a linkage between bipolar and any kind of creative "genius" -- and I wonder about how we can find a way that those afflicted can reach their potential without the self-destructiveness that goes with being untreated. It's a subject that interests me. If you want to continue the discussion off-blog, please feel free to e-mail me. E-mail address is at the top of the right hand blog sidebar.

I had the pleasure of meeting Christopher and aving him stay with me at my home in mid 1990's as he was preparing to write a tell all book about his life. The book never transpired but I know every detail of what was to be said. Christopher had an inside scoop story to tell. Its unfortunate it never happened. We will miss you Christopher.

Jill,

FYI... Kay Redfield Jamison is an American professor of psychiatry and a writer who is one of the foremost experts on bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression), from which she herself suffers. In "Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament," she shows how bipolar disorder can run in artistic or high-achieving families.

I don't have a problem continuing the discussion off-blog, but I feel strongly about educating others -- so that further tragedy may be averted -- which is why I am continuing the discussion here, where others can learn from it.

I saw a posting elsewhere that said Christopher was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2004. A later posting on the same web page said (poorly, but I have cleaned it up a bit), in effect, little is known about bipolar disorder and its connection to Christopher Bowman, so "back off." The post was apparently from a person who wants to perpetuate the prevailing silence, secrecy, shame and stigma associated with the illness.

I disagreed with her by posting this: "A great deal is known about bipolar disorder, but because far too many are ignorant of it, no one in the skating world -- or the world in general -- was able to help Christopher Bowman, a person in the public eye for most of his life, arrive at a diagnosis soon enough to save him. The evidence was there for all to see, but we weren't paying attention. We failed him. Had the general public been much more educated and informed about bipolar disorder, Christopher would likely have been diagnosed much earlier in life. To perpetuate the secrecy, silence, shame and stigma associated with bipolar disorder is to dishonor his memory as well as ensure that others will suffer the same fate. I do not believe that this is what Christopher would have wanted."

Obviously, I feel very strongly about this because I have intimate experience with the terrible suffering caused by this illness. If I can do anything to prevent others from experiencing the same, I will. Thanks for dialoguing with me on the topic.

Jill,

One more thing... I saw an article online that said Christopher's prescription drug (the one found in his hotel room) was Vicodin. Yet when I researched Vicodin, it said:

"Vicodin [acetaminophen & hydrocodone] should never be given to ... someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. … Before using Vicodin, tell your doctor ... if you have:
•mental illness; or
•a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
Tell your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have ever had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take medication that contains acetaminophen."

Quite clearly, whoever prescribed Vicodin for Christopher Bowman was completely wrong to do so. But too many of us trust doctors, and take whatever they prescribe. The book "Worst Pills, Best Pills" (written by a group of pharmacists and doctors) should be in everyone's collection, and it should be consulted by all before any drug is taken. Doctors are prescription-happy, and thousands are suffering and dying as a result. It's reported that "Doctors and their drugs are the 3rd [leading] cause of death."

Jill,

The quote below reveals a beautiful and balanced side of Christopher in addition to the very important fact that he was perfectly content with his accomplishments on the ice. I thought I'd share it with you so you can be blessed by it as well.

From the January 17, 2008 Detroit Free Press article on Christopher Bowman: Of his figure-skating career, Bowman told the Free Press: "People always say I squandered my career -- that I could have been so much more, made millions, but I don't look at it that way. I wasn't obsessed with winning. I never had a cutthroat mentality that big-time jocks have, but that doesn't mean I didn't care. To me, it was way more important to be popular with fans than with judges. I wanted to develop a style of skating that people loved, that they'd remember. I did that. I wouldn't trade that for Paul Wylie's Olympic silver medal, for all those years he obsessed, all those years falling down, agonizing about every little thing, worrying about Kurt Browning. When I looked at Paul's face on that medal podium, I thought, 'Now he can finally be happy.' My memories of skating are all fun. So what if I don't have a gold medal in a safe deposit box? I have more."

Well said, Christopher. Well said.

Jill,

I saw a posting elsewhere on the web that said Christopher Bowman was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2004, just 3 years before his death, for all practical purposes, since he lived only 10 days in 2008.

Also, I don't know if you've seen any of the recent articles on the Australian actor Heath Ledger. He was found dead in his Manhattan apartment on Tuesday, January 22, 2008. Sadly, there is evidence of undiagnosed (as far as I know) bipolar disorder and possible self-medication (can't be sure from the information given) in these articles as well. It seems yet another person with an "artistic temperament" has died young and tragically at the "hands of" medication.

From the Associated Press, January 23, 2008: "The actor's personal strife was accompanied by professional anxiety. He said in a November [2007] interview that 'Dark Knight' and 'I'm Not There' took a toll. 'Last week I probably slept an average of two hours a night,' Ledger told The New York Times. 'I couldn't stop thinking. My body was exhausted, and my mind was still going.' He said he took two Ambien pills, which only worked for an hour. This describes mania to a T. Also from the same article: "Prescription sleeping pills and anti-anxiety pills were found in bottles in Ledger's bedroom and bathroom." People experiencing mania cannot sleep. Their brains are racing and their thoughts keep them awake or wake them up after little sleep. And stress, often accompanied by anxiety, triggers mania.

From an AP article by the same writer (Tom Hays) earlier the same day: "Ledger said in an interview in November that 'Dark Knight' [he played the Joker in this film] and last year's 'I'm Not There,' [the Bob Dylan film] took a heavy toll. He said he 'stressed out a little too much' during the Dylan film, and had trouble sleeping while portraying the Joker...."

Another tragedy. Another family grieving. So sad.

Question: Can you put links on this web page to the archived NY Times articles on Christopher Bowman that you referenced in your earlier comments to me? And, by the way, I just noticed the 1/15/08 update to your blog. Thanks for that.

Ceci: I was watching The Blues Brothers on TV last weekend and started thinking about John Belushi, who seems to be yet another one.

There is a much bigger article here...I wish you'd e-mail me so we can take this discussion off-thread and start putting together a blog post where we can address this topic -- because clearly there's a pattern here.

Jill,

I'll e-mail you IF you promise not to disclose my identity, e.g., to keep my identity confidential. I am not popular with my family members because I openly discuss bipolar disorder. I don't want them to personally attack me (as is their custom) and accuse me of violating anyone's right to privacy. Let me know. Thanks.

Absolutely. The screen name you use here (or any other one you choose) will be the only identifier.

To Jill and Ceci,
Thank You for the information.
I consider myself a good friend of Christopher and like others wish I could have done more for him. I didn't know him as a skater at all, just a really good friend. He and I have enjoyed many "mania" times together and I relive them often. At some point in time during the day, a thought will pop in to my head and make me laugh. Especially on my way home from work, I drive by a place were Chris, his friend Johnny and I ended up at one night. That's a story in itself. Good memories. The point is that I wish every one could have known Christopher like I did, I know both the up and the down.
This brings me to my other point. I have two adult children that I have been told are bipolar, unfortunately they were not diagnosed with it until later in life. My son was one of the medicate children you refer to. I wish I knew more about this illness when I was younger. I just want to let you both know that I appreciate the back and forth conversation you are having regarding the bipolar, it has helped me greatly.
I sit here in my office and now wonder if I also share this illness with my very missed friend and children.
Christopher; The memories are good, the time are missed, the tears still flow, the love is forever, and the hope is gone this is what hurts the most.
Love You,

misia and others: Thank you again for sharing your memories here. I'm honored that you chose here to speak and congregate. The picture that emerges of C. Bowman from people who knew him is of someone with a heart as big as his jumps. To the rest of us, he's just a magical skater who can still take our breath away via the magic of YouTube. :)

Bowman's death, especially in conjunction with the death of Heath Ledger, ought to start a discussion about overuse of prescription drugs. I wonder if these people have these drugs prescribed by just one doctor, or if they doctor-shop, getting scrips and then going to various drugstores to have them filled. Because different drugs can have serious interactions.

As for bipolar...does anyone know if he was taking medication on a regular basis? I have a friend with a bipolar brother, and another friend who is close to one of her daughter's friends who is bipolar...and both describe the bipolar person as hating the feeling of medication because they like the feeling of mania and miss it when they are levelled off -- so they stop taking their meds.

Jill, et al,

As for your question "does anyone know if he was taking medication on a regular basis?" I assume you mean Christopher Bowman, not Heath Ledger, but... the fact that Vicodin was the only prescription medication in Chris Bowman's possession at the time of his death does not seem to indicate that he was taking any of the drugs typically prescribed for bipolar disorder. It is possible that Christopher Bowman had a hard time accepting a diagnosis of bipolar disorder at the age of 36 or 37, especially after so many years of drinking and doing drugs. I read an article that quoted him as saying that he'd smoked his first joint at age 10 and that he was into harder drugs by age 14. Drinking and drugs -- whether illegal or prescribed -- take a toll on the brain. After years of drinking and drugging, Christopher (his brain) may have been less able to accept the diagnosis of bipolar disorder and therefore less inclined seek treatment. Many people with bipolar disorder have difficulty accepting the diagnosis and refuse medications at first, or even from time to time. Yes... it's true that when people with bipolar disorder are feeling more "up" (manic) than "down" (depressed), they are not as inclined to medicate themselves to bring themselves down. The problem I have seen is this: When a patient is manic, psychiatrists prescribe such high dosages of mood stabilizers and, perhaps, anti-psychotics that they bring the patient down too fast to a place that is way too low. The doctors don't mind patients who are severely depressed because, although the patient's quality of life is horribly debilitating for the patient, the doctors find depressed patients much more maleable, passive and easy to deal with. Psychiatrists do not have the patience to deal with acutely manic people, so they medicate them into submission. Because of the current preference for drugs (over therapy) as the exclusive treatment method for mental illness, psychiatrists rarely attempt to bring bipolar patients to some middle place between mania and depression. They just bring the patient down medicinally, hard and fast, without taking the patient's quality of life into consideration. Depressions can be much worse for bipolar patients than manias, because in many cases, they last much, much longer, and if severe enough, can lead to suicide. Manias are typically seen as much, much worse by the people who have to deal with the bipolar patient (e.g., a patient in the midst of a manic episode). They are not seen as worse (than depression) by the bipolar patient, however. They are infinitely preferable, even though they can ultimately become exhausting.

As for Heath Ledger, it's quite possible that he did not know he had bipolar disorder, that he ws never properly diagnosed. If he went to a family practice doctor (a non-psychiatrist) complaining of anxiety and insomnia, the doctor may have simply written prescriptions that addressed individual symptoms, e.g., an anti-anxiety pill for anxiety and a sleeping pill for insomnia. The doctor may not have put two and two together and diagnosed bipolar disorder, and thus may not have referred Heath to a psychiatrist for treatment. I read in one article that 3 of Heath Ledger's 6 prescriptions were written/obtained in Europe. Getting multiple prescriptions from multiple doctors (who may not know of the other drugs or other doctors) can clearly lead to contra-indication drug complications and accidental death. I'm guessing that this is what happened based on what I have read so far about Heath Ledger's death. Of course, I can't vouch for the veracity of the reports. I am trusting that their contents are accurate, and they may not be, the state of journalism being what it is today.

Just some follow-up thoughts on the subject. Hope they help enlighten. Thanks for the conversation. I, too, am very happy to hear from people who have known Christopher Bowman personally.

I was surprisingly devasted by Christopher's death. I never could understand why people would get so overwraught about people they never knew. Like Jill and many others I knew, we loved figure skating in its golden era (80s-early 90s). There were so many talented skaters, who had their own individual styles and Christopher certainly was one of a kind.

Knowing his battles with drugs and his irratic approach to practise, I always had a feeling there was something not right. Drugs, alcohol, food, gambling etc, are just the symptoms and self-medication of a larger problem. I can identify, as I suffer from a particularly chronic and nasty unipolar depressive disorder. At least when manic, you have boundless energy to take on the whole world if need be. Silly as it sounds, I envy that. I was diagnosed as a late teen and some 20 odd years later I am still not accepting of the diagnosis. People with a mental illness can be pains in the ass, but just try living with it, the therapy, the drugs that may or may not work and their side effects that rob you of some part of yourself.

It is unfortunate that Christopher could not come to Canada and coach. He certainly would have been greatly appreciated, valued and loved here. I know the U.S. doesn't exactly have the same attitude to male skaters as we have here and that was something that Christopher was hoping to change during his career. It is also too bad that he couldn't finish an autobiography, if only so the rest of us who only knew him as fans, could have something concrete. I guess we will always have youtube.

He sounds like he had a sweet soul and too fragile for this world. Best wishes for the next world Christopher!

Hi, This is the first time I have posted on any site. I met Christopher in Febuary of '06 at Valley Ice Center in Panorama City, Ca. My daughter was 7 years old then . Christopher had just been hired there to teach a power stroking class. My daughter had a couch at time, and I didn't know who Christopher was, never even heard of him before, but the rink was making a big fuss about it, and my daughter couch at the time was kind of amused by all the fuss, and said some negative things about him, so I paid him no attention. At the end of Febuary he introduced himself to me and said that my daughter was really pretty and that she looked like a little doll on the ice, I thanked him and went on about my business. When my daughters coach went off to Colorodo with her son my daughter was left without a coach. I would often see Christopher watching her and one day i noticed a sign posted for an off ice jump class that he was teaching we joined and he and my daughter clicked instantly, to make a long story short, he became a sub coach, then her primary coach, we were with him 3 to 4 times a week and spoke almost daily until the day before he died, it hurts me deeply that "anonymous" would say those things about him and still call him a brother, First of all yes he was sad, any father not allowed to see his child would be hurt, Christopher was deeply wounded by this, He had no relationship with his mother and he was struggling with his bipolar diease. But all that be said Chistopher was always professional when it came to my daughters lesson always on time never late and made sure that she had everything she need, even when he himself was teaching in rental skates until i bought him his own. Just for your information that "stalker" you are referring to was indeed his fiance and just before his death he was in detroit for 10 days for Christmas at her home. I know this for a fact because she was with him when my daughter and he exchanged Christmas gifts. He was happy to be going home for the Holiday in hopes to see his daughter(by the way he was denied of any visits) When he came back he called me at work to let me know he was back and ready to work. He was sad because he was unable to see his daughter but when he seen my daughter his face lit up and promised he would not leave her again. Chistopher life was indeed making a change, but not in a downward sprial, but finally looking up. He was getting ready to start a small part in a movie, Pickwick just hired him on staff, and He was going apartment hunting with his fiance when she was to return to L.A.. That is why he was in that hotel room, he check in a few days early before her arrival. The guy "Bob" was a homeless guy he met at the libary and it was raining that whole weekend so Christopher offered him a place to stay, until his fiance arrived. Christopher was a big part of my Families lives he was loved uncondionally by my daughter myself and husband. We never knew "Christopher Bowman the Skaater" we only knew Christopher Bowman the man. He is deeply missed.

I need to make a correction to my last entry which is dated 02/03/08 under anonymous My name is Laura and my daughter name is Lillian. We met Christopher the last week of Feb.'07 not '06 it was my typeo

April,
I knew Christopher, he and my daughters skated together. I was also very close with his Mom and Dad. We spent many of Christmas' with them, his Mom and I did craft shows together. I also knew Chris as a very caring and wonderful soul, also knew some of his demons. We all miss him but have some wonderful memories of the 80's and early 90's. I lost touch after I moved to Pittsburgh. God Bless to you!!!

I would like to know when Christopher Bowman was diagnosed with bipolar disorder... what year... how old he was. I read elsewhere that he was diagnosed in 2004, and I am trying to verify whether or not this is true. If someone knows for sure, perhaps they can post the information here. Thanks.

A friend told me this question was here, and I should come back to read because there were no more negative postings, so here I am like I said I wouldn't be ... There is no harm in asking or giving this information so .... October 2004 is the correct date for the official diagnosis of his bipolar disorder, he was 37.

Dear April,

Thanks for your answer to my question. I appreciate it. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 45 -- believe it or not -- after 5 years of taking an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) anti-depressant medication that, quite literally, sent my brain chemistry "into orbit." I had never experienced mania prior to taking the anti-depressant. I suffered from depression for 40 years without really knowing what my trouble was. The anti-depressant medication was not a solution for me, however. It caused huge problems that completely destroyed my life as I knew it. I lost numerous jobs and numerous (purported) "friends" because of the medication's negative effect on my brain chemistry. People can be very unforgiving of those with bipolar disorder, very callous, insensitive, unsympathetic, hurtful. I'm glad that Christopher found in you someone who was willing to be compassionate, loyal and supportive, no matter what the "official status" of your relationship was. People who suffer from bipolar disorder need friends who care and understand, who are willing to love unconditionally, and not blame the sufferer for his/her illness or its effects. I'm sure that Christopher was and is grateful to you for whatever love and unconditional support you provided. In the end, this is all that matters. And it's the only thing that we can take with us into eternal life. God bless you for your kindness and compassion. Don't feel that you need to defend yourself in the face of personal attacks. Petty people who write unkind things are not usually worth fighting. These kinds of people will always be "out there." Just ignore them and stand firm knowing what you know. The truth will win out in the end, even if not in this life. Eventually, everything will come to light, and those on the side of truth will be vindicated. In the meantime, don't spend too much of your emotional energy arguing against people who may be too close-minded to accept what you have to say. As the saying goes, "don't cast your pearls before swine." Peace.

Thank you, April and Laura and others for posting your memories here. As I said before, it's a privilege that this has become a place where people can come and remember.

Obviously I didn't know the man, or the skater, personally. But I never forgot how magical it was when Christopher Bowman took the ice and how charismatic he was -- and as the information about how troubled his life was came out, that "kicked in the gut" feeling so many of us had upon hearing the news is somehow even worse.

April, may I make a suggestion? If you have access to the notes and chapters he wrote in his memoir, you might consider adding your own story and completing his book. I know two people with loved ones who suffer with bipolar disorder, and I work in a place that does mental health research, and I think that we will only make progress in dealing with this disease is by bringing it out into the light. We cannot help Christopher Bowman at this point (though we can be grateful to those who did), but we can honor his memory by reducing the stigma attached to bipolar and supporting the research necessary to allow these talented people whose brains may work differently than ours be able to nurture their talent in a psyche of health and happiness.

April,

If you have an interest in producing a book about Christopher Bowman, I might be able to help. I am a capable writer who lives not far from you in southeast Michigan. I would like to honor Christopher's memory. I would like to educate people about bipolar disorder, thereby helping to eradicate both the widespread popular ignorance of the illness as well as the stigma associated with mental illness. Let me know your response in a posting here. Thanks very much.

OK, folks....I don't know who's right and who's wrong here, but I'm going ask you nicely to please take this fight someplace else.

I created this post because many years ago I enjoyed watching Christopher Bowman skate and I wanted to pay a tribute to someone I saw as hugely talented.

It's a shame that there is so much conflict among those who loved him, but this isn't the place to hash it out. You want to post memories, fine. But this fighting here must stop.

I've turned comment moderation on and all comments will have to pass muster with me before I'll post them.

Please....everyone...just take a deep breath and calm down.

Thank you for your cooperation.

OK, guys, this is enough.

This is a sociopolitical blog. I occasionally post about cultural topics, and this post was one of the latter.

It's clear that there is a good deal of strife between Mr. Bowman's family and Ms. Freeman, but this is not the place for you to hash this out. It's as if I had a party and invited you all into my home and you proceeded to get into a fight and use my belongings as weapons.

I'm sorry that you all don't get along. I'm sorry for your terrible loss. But it's not my job to play referee, or even to provide a forum for you.

At noon Eastern time today (Saturday February 9) I am going to delete all comments that are clearly part of this family foodfight. I don't have time to be moderating comments in perpetuity. I have asked you all to calm down and take it elsewhere, and some of you have not done so.

I have never deleted comments wholesale before, even when I write about controversial political topics and there are arguments from the right and left. But this has gone too far.

I too have mourned lost loved ones and I do understand what you're gong through. But the hatred and resentment that is going on among you is not constructive towards your grieving, it does not bring your loved one back, and over time it can become a cancer on your soul.

Please try to find a way to deal with your grief. Think about whether this is what Christopher would have wanted. And if you decide that you still want to fight, I can't stop you. But you're not going to do it here.

I pray that you all can find a way to heal. But in the meantime, I'm going to clean house a bit here.

I should also note that the comments sent since last night are not going to be released from moderation.

Christopher death was ruled accidental ... After speaking with the Coroner yesterday and some reflection I've decided to make a short statement. The toxicology and autopsy reports show Christopher had an enlarged heart which may have been genetic. The combination of his prescribed medication and alcohol was lethal. "Acute Intoxication from Alcohol and Tablets" was how the investigator stated it. A press release was sent out by the Los Angeles County Coroner. But as we all know sometimes the press says what they want and why I've stated this here.

It saddend me greatly to hear he went off program and was drinking the night he passed away after working so hard to stay clean and sober for so long! It was a moment of weakness and he was only human. It's not our place to judge him ... I NEVER did and I NEVER will. I love you with all my heart sweetheart!

Feb 8, 2008 5:03 PM (22 hrs ago) AP
LOS ANGELES (Map, News) - The coroner says national figure skating champion Christopher Bowman died from an accidental drug overdose and an enlarged heart.The toxicology tests also showed cocaine, Valium and marijuana. Also present was the prescription medicine Seroquel, a medication used to treat someone who is bi-polar.


Such a tragedy....He will be missed!

http://www.examiner.com/a-1209778~Coroner__Christopher_Bowman_died_of_accidental_drug_overdose.html

It seems that the constitutional right to free speech has been violated by the deletions. The right to free speech doesn't countenance editing or erasing. If you set up a blog where viewers can post, you take the risk that people will post things you don't want to "hear" or see on your webpage. That's the way the cookie crumbles, however. If you don't want comments, don't allow comments. If you do want comments, then you have to allow all of them, even those you don't like. That's the way the free speech guarantee works. For a liberal sociopolitical website, this kind of "editing intervention" is a bit of a contradiction, to say the least.

The right to free speech means that the government cannot infringe on your right to speak. I am not the government. And by the way, the right to free speech does not include shouting "fire" in a crowded movie theater.

There are many accusations and counter-accusations being made by individuals associated with C. Bowman. I do not know these people, I have never met these people, and it is not my job to sort out what's true and what isn't. There may be issues of libel and slander and from a legal standpoint, I don't want this stuff on my blog. There are other forums out there where this fight is playing out, please take it there.

Would you go to someone's house and wreck the place by having a fistfight with someone you didn't like who was there? That's what people have been doing here. And as the host, it's my job to say "Enough. It's time for you to go home now."

Jill,

I sooooo agree with you!!! It was getting way out of hand. on here. I was simply trying to inform and give "factual" information about Christopher which immediately fell under attack!!! This was no place for this type of debate. There has been a blog created for such postings ... so the wonderful people who set up these memorial blogs do not have to deal with them any longer. These ridiculous debates can take place there.
http://www.ventyourfustration.blogspot.com/

The cut and pasted article posted above by Anonymous ... that gives toxicology results .... Does not give amounts of the drugs found in Christopher's blood. Or the fact his enlarged heart was most likely a genetic defect!!

The combination of his prescribed medication and alcohol was lethal. "Acute Intoxication from Alcohol and Tablets" was the official ruling ... Accidental Overdose ... The amounts of cocaine and marijuana were "trace" amounts and NOT ENOUGH TO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO HIS DEATH!!! This is what I was told by the Coroner Investigator and why I posted ... because the press always sensationalizes these things. It still doesn't make what Christopher did that night, right ... But we are not in any place to judge him ... It's not our job!!!

I think you should do some research on the constitutional right to free speech, because you don't understand it properly. And your analogy doesn't hold water, since a webpage is not a home, and no one is physically fist-fighting in your presence. Basically, your deletions trampled on free speech, whether you like hearing so or not. You don't have to figure out who's right or wrong, what's true or not. Why you think you do, I really don't know. Readers can draw their own conclusions. And isn't this the point? The information posted was enlightening, pertinent and telling. This is what you've denied readers, access to relevant information that reveals a lot about the parties involved, and sheds light on some unfortunate realities. Acting as if someone has come into your home and started fighting in front of you is an immature take on the comments. If you want to be able to post what you want, then others ought to be guaranteed the same freedom. To edit people out of the conversation is to act as a censor and deny others their right to free speech, a right guaranteed by the constitution. As I said, study the constitutional right to freedom of speech. You'll find that your understanding of it is erroneously limited. Don't take offense to what's said here. It's not a personal attack; it's an objective observation without vehemence, venom, vitriol... a simple statement of reality. Be big enough to simply admit that what someone else says is or may be true, even if you don't like it.

By the way, you should also do some research on the subject of defamation (libel/slander) since you don't understand it (them) properly either. It "pays" to educate yourself on subjects before you pronounce on them as if you were knowledgeable when, in reality, you are not. Again, I am not personally attacking you. I am simply making an objective statement, e.g., that you do not properly understand the right of free speech or defamation (more specifically, the potential for liability as regards libel or slander). Instead of knee-jerk reactions to posted comments, I would suggest that you step back, reflect, do your research, and then respond intelligently rather than defensively or emotionally. You edited out the emotionally-charged comments of other people on other topics, yet you are "guilty" of a milder form of the same (emotionally-charged reactions to postings) re: issues that involve you or matter to you. This amounts to a lack of fairness/even-handedness as regards the posted contents of this webpage. Of course you can do whatever you want since you "hold the keys" to the webpage, so to speak. But having power/control doesn't mean that actions taken are just, correct or even warranted. It simply means that someone had power, not that he or she exercised it properly or fairly. I hope you will read my remarks with a detached and objective eye, comprehend them, and receive them in the spirit intended... as educational not adversarial.

April, I'm asking you too: Let it go. The only reason I've left more of your posts up is because they're only marginally less inflammatory. I am not taking sides. I'm not interested in taking sides. I set out to comment on someone whose work I admired.

I'm no longer asking, but instead telling all of you who feel a need to hash out your conflicts in online forums: Please do it elsewhere. Because if this keeps up, I'm going to delete the entire post. And yes, it is my right to do so.

Thank you.

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."

To...April, I found this on a website, I am not exactly sure you are getting the correct information. His enlarged heart, I dont think can be genetic. If you google the circumstance I think maybe that will help, or then again maybe I am looking at the wrong websites?

When will the ventyourfrustrations blog be up? Looked for it and couldn't find anything?

Anonymous,

Thank you for that information. I did read the article you're talking about. But the investigator at the Coroner's office told me, his enlarged heart was "Most Likely a Genetic Defect." also stated there may have been contributing factors that made it worsen over time.

I, however didn't speak to the Investigator that I have been dealing with all along. So maybe I need to give her a call tomorrow to clarify what I was told on Friday.

Again, Thank you for bringing this to my attention. But it still doesn't change the over all result of the actions set into motion that night. We have all lost a wonderful man who in some way has touched our lives!!! He will be missed ... But, you all know that already!!!

Anonymous and all others found another blog that allow you to speak freely without being edited or deleted. Go to ventyourfustration.blogspot.com where the fredoom of speech is alive and well.

I'm not too experienced at this blogging stuff - still cant find ventyourfrustration - can you explain where to find it and how to get on? Thanks

Hello yes i to had trouble but just type www.ventyourfustration.blogspot.com it is up and running. thanks

Jill,

Threatening to delete the entire post because you have a right to do so reflects very poorly on you. It reveals a person who prefers control over conversation, communication and education. In a nutshell, you won't tolerate speech you can't control. You want a forum where you can express yourself freely (via your blog) but where others cannot do the same. When you feel that you've lost absolute power (complete control) over what's written on your webpage, you threaten to delete the entire post, along with all the informative, educational comments that follow. To meet your need for control, you prefer to erase/eliminate the benefit (of the educational information contained in the comments) to potential future readers. Sad. Very, very sad. Neither mentally healthy nor respectful of free speech.

Hey I figured out why you cant find the blog. It is in the spelling type in your address bar www.ventyourfustration.blogspot.comhope that helps.

So tell me, Anonymous, why do you choose to remain anonymous? Is it because you don't want to take responsibility for your speech?

You are entitled to free speech, but you are not entitled to have everyone allow you a forum for expressing that speech.

I do not want to delete this post. I put it up in memorial to someone whose creative work brought joy to many people, someone whose creative work I enjoyed a long time ago...and because it's figure skating season again. I also don't want to delete it because I do believe there's a great deal of useful information about bipolar disorder here. It seemed as though this might be a resource in which Mr. Bowman could help people understand this disease even without his being here.

But when people start coming here to hash out their interpersonal battles, calling each other "bitch" and "c**t" -- that's not expressing an opinion and it's not discourse -- and it's not constructive or helpful to those grieving and it adds nothing to the conversation. And frankly, it violates the spirit of my original post.

I'm glad Laura has decided to create a place where the people who need to insult each other can do so. I hope that it helps them deal with their grief and that in time they can find some kind of resolution and peace and coexistence with each other.

Those who wish to continue to discuss Christopher Bowman's skating, or bipolar disorder, or ADHD, or related mental illnesses here, in a civilized manner, are welcome to do so.

I have many commenters on this blog who disagree with me, and I've never deleted their posts, no matter how nasty they've gotten. I even have cordial off-blog relationships of mutual respect with some of them. This isn't about me and it's not about disagreement among intelligent people of goodwill. This is about not wanting this sort of behavior in my online home.

I remain anonymous to protect myself from the wrath and ire of irrational, emotional people. All of my comments have been sane, fair, rational, justified and civil. I can't say the same for yours (especially those responding to me), but then you "rule the roost," so you're not subject to the same scrutiny and conditions applied to those who are "powerless." I have no problem with your dislike for the comments of people who are emotionally out of control, rude, nasty, etc. The problem I have is that in the process of purging your postings of some worthless vindictive ranting you deleted other comments that included very pertinent/relevant, useful, telling information that others deserve to know. If I thought that you had the potential to receive my remarks without being defensive, without firing back at me in a not-too-nice tone, I would have posted my comments with a user name. But I didn't have this confidence in you, based on what I'd read so far, so I chose to remain anonymous. And I will continue to do so because, to date, I have not seen you respond to my comments in a manner which would give me any incentive to reveal my identity. Your loss... because I think I have a lot to offer on the subjects being discussed here. Create a safe space, a safe place for dialogue, and -- trust me -- you'll have fewer anonymous commenters.

Jill,

By the way, this comment: "You are entitled to free speech, but you are not entitled to have everyone allow you a forum for expressing that speech" is a complete contradiction in terms. Speech is either free or it's not. All speech needs a "forum." To say that a person is entitled to free speech but not entitled to a forum where "free speech" can be spoken is to effectively deny a person the right to free speech, plain and simple. No speech, free or otherwise, can exist without a forum. Again, please, take a breath, step back emotionally, and devote some time to researching freedom of speech. Maybe -- once you've done so -- you can write another blog article on the subject. Trust me... there's no shame in admitting that free speech has been violated here. Once you've done the research I'm suggesting, you'll be better able to see my points. Until then, your arguments -- like the one above -- will most likely continue to be a bit "circular."

A Friend on another BLOG web site asked that I post how the "Memorial Scripture Service" went on Saturday February 9, 2008. This is what I posted and thought the family, friends and fans here who could not be present, might like to read that post.

-Our private "Memorial Scripture Service" was SO NICE... Very Much, Christopher and what "He" would have wanted ... An intimate group of his close "unofficial" family and a few very close friends, skating students and a couple onlookers who sat in the back respecting our privacy. There was NO drama and it was just what my children and "Our" family needed. A chance to say goodbye to "Our" Christopher in "Our" way. The church was adorned with Christopher's favorite flowers, Red Roses and Star Gazer Lilly's and photo's of Christopher as we knew him ... with his daughter, our family, close friends and skating students. My daughters Samantha and Ashley wrote poems and Samantha read one until her Fiancee Ron took over. Christopher's best friend David (ironically my ex-husband) and a prior skating student of Christopher's - Crystal Jugaszek who started working with Christopher at very young age and never lost touch, read scriptures . A vocal music tribute to Christopher was enjoyed as performed by Brian Martin a life long friend of Christopher's.

Many well wishers and friends have sent cards, emails and flowers which have been donated to area nursing homes and shut ins.

Christopher's parents Joyce and Nelson Bowman along with his Former Wife Annette and their only Daughter were invited but did not attend.

Father Mike read for me my remembrance of Christopher and an email from his sports agent and wife, Michael & Nancy Rosenberg, that I've posted below.

That message from the Rosenberg's Read:

We wish so much that we could be with you, but here in Mexico we'll be thinking of Christopher and how very much he meant to us. As a client and friend, he always kept us 'on our toes' with his adventures and dreams; and whether or not he succeeded in achieving every one of those goals became irrelevant---it was Christopher's journey that was fascinating, exasperating and often inspiring to many of us. He was truly "one of a kind." We will never, ever forget him; nor will we forget the happiness that April gave him during these last years. "Vaya con Dios, Christopher"---"Go with God." Michael and Nancy Rosenberg, Puerto Nuevo, Baja, Mexico

My Remembrance of Christopher read:

Christopher was a man with strong morals and convictions. Faith, family, friends and humor were very important to him.

Christopher was a loving father, life partner and friend. He was a talented actor, athlete and teacher. Christopher taught skating but also many life lessons to so many who were touched in some way by his life. Christopher had the forgiving heart of an Angel ... every person who knew him was truly blessed to have spent time with him.

Christopher never spoke badly about anyone even when he was the victim of unkind words or actions.

Christopher went out of his way to lend a helping hand and to say a kind word to everyone even strangers he would meet randomly.

His final act was a selfless act. The man who was staying with Christopher in our hotel room in Los Angeles while he was waiting for me, was a homeless man that he met at the Van Nuys library. This man had no place to go so Christopher offered to share our room with him until I arrived to town on Friday morning, January 11, 2008. Christopher offered to sleep on the floor the evening he died, giving up his bed to a man who would be sleeping on the streets after that night. This man was the man who found Christopher on the morning of his death and called for help. I only know this man as Bob.

Christopher was working with homeless and befriended a pastor who provides meals to the homeless in Van Nuys. Christopher and I were working on starting a homeless foundation before he died. He was also talking about faith and God more and more in his last months. Christopher expressed a want to become a non-denominational pastor in the weeks before his passing.

Christopher spent most of the last 6 years living in both Lake Orion MI and over the past year back and forth to Los Angeles with me and my family.

Christopher went to Los Angeles to work on rebuilding his skating school. Christopher was teaching several skaters in Los Angeles who loved him. The youngest ... Lillian Garcia an 8 year old who could barely skate nine months ago, who's ready for her first competition now, because of Christopher.

Christopher was also reviving his (childhood) acting career landing a role as an Assistant Football Coach in the film "Down and Distance" with Gary Busey, Brian Bosworth, Master P and Lil Romeo. This film is now going to be dedicated to Christopher. As a child Christopher appeared in more than 200 television commercials, a couple feature films, the television classics Little House on the Prairie and Archie Bunkers Place.

Christopher suffered from Bipolar Disorder and several other health problems. He had many demons to contend with but he found comfort from his faith and loved ones. Christopher was working hard to regain self esteem he lost long ago. He was finding the success he was searching for and was in the process of accomplishing his goals. Christopher was learning to live life with faith and love, he was at peace.

Christopher loved life and always did things his way ... He was the other half of me, the adventurous and daring side. Christopher was the kindest and most sensitive person I've ever known. Our souls are connected and will be forever. I will always cherish the happiness and love we shared as we mapped out our future together and wouldn't trade a second of time we had during his last years. Christopher was a Champion in everything he did in life and will continue to be a Champion on his new journey, I was blessed by his love and he takes my love with him on that journey. - April Freeman

**PLEASE NOTE - I stated that Christopher's favorite flowers were Red Roses and Star Gazer Lilly's" This is not here to cause a debate or any conflict. These were his favorite flowers as I knew him. At one point we had a small flower shop in Lake Orion, MI and Christopher would come in and take those flowers for our apartment, because he said, "they smelled good" ... always the same flowers ... Red Roses and Star Gazer Lillies. So if he might have had a favorite flower other than these at some point in his life ... I'm not going to debate that fact .... especially here on this site.**

God's Blessings to you all!

You can read about the service at this link.
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/021...080210237.shtml

Thanks for posting this, April. If you can, please pop me an e-mail when you have a minute.

I still can't find the ventyourfrustration.blogspot.com site. Can anyone help please??!!!

There is NO "r" in Laura's spelling of frustration. It is "ventyourfustration.blogspot.com". Hope this helps you get there. It's a very lively site. :)

This information seems to be missing from this web site and I believe because education was so important to Christopher, this needed to be added here.

Contributions can be made in Christopher Bowman's memory to a college fund established for his Daughter: Michigan Education Savings Program (beneficiary: Bianca Bowman) P.O. Box 30361, Lansing 48909-7861.

Comment by "ceci"

FYI... more news on deaths from accidental overdoses, including a reference to Heath Ledger...

From CBS News: "Soldiers Dying Of Accidental Overdoses" (Washington, February 15, 2008)

“Statistics show accidental overdoses have become a national problem, with the deaths from accidental ingestion of multiple prescription drugs now exceeding deaths from illegal drugs, [Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Eric B.] Schoomaker said.”

"Noting the death of actor Heath Ledger, … Schoomaker last week first disclosed the issue of drug overdoses [among] soldiers. 'What we're seeing is the use of medications, especially in combination with alcohol,' Schoomaker told CBS News' The Early Show."

"'This isn't restricted to the military, alone, as we all saw the unfortunate death of one of our leading actors recently,' Schoomaker told Pentagon reporters. He made his comments the day after The New York medical examiner announced that Ledger, the 28-year-old 'Brokeback Mountain' star, died Jan. 22 from an accidental overdose -- the effects of taking several types of painkillers and sedatives."

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/02/15/national/main3836030.shtml

Proceeds go to College Fund

Christopher Bowman often regretted having to sacrifice his formal education and dream of becoming an Attorney for his skating career.

In hopes that his daughter Bianca will have every opportunity to pursue all of her academic dreams, I have decided to arrange for the profits made from the merchandise purchased at Christopher Bowman's Online store to be donated to the educational trust for Bianca Bowman, you can access the store through his official web site http://e-sk8r.com/christopherbowman or http://www.cafepress.com/chrisbowman

Contrary to what Jill mentioned in an earlier posting (note: this is not a personal attack, but a simple observation of reality) there is something that all people of good will can do for Christopher Bowman even in death. All people of good will can pray for the repose of Christopher's soul. Christopher was a baptized Catholic. Catholics, since the earliest centuries of the Church's existence (e.g., shortly after the death and resurrection of Christ), have prayed for departed souls. If you read the second book of Maccabees, chapter 12, verses 43-46, you will see biblical support for the Catholic practice of praying for the dead. There it says that it is "a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from sin." Christopher was a wonderful, gifted, generous, loving and compassionate human being, but like all of us, he was not perfect, and at times, he sinned. This is not a condemnation, but a objective statement of reality. None of us are perfect; all of us sin at times. If we didn't, we would never need to ask forgiveness of God or man. Honest, humble people will admit that most human beings can't get through life without the need to ask for forgiveness of God or man at least on occasion. Prayers for the dead, prayers for God's mercy on souls, hasten the work of purifying or purging departed souls from sin. Praying for departed souls is an act of great compassion that is profoundly appreciated by departed souls. If we love Christopher, we will not fail him in this regard. We will pray that his purification is hastened, and that he is soon fully united with God in heaven.

FYI... I post anonymously because there are numerous people in this country and world who are ignorant of Catholic teaching and Catholic practice, as well as the biblical and historical reasons for both. They are, therefore, are all too ready and willing to viciously attack and criticize Catholics as well as their beliefs and practices. If I had confidence that other (e.g., Protestant) Christians and non-Christians would research the bases for Catholic teaching and Catholic practice prior to launching ignorant and vicious attacks on those who believe and practice the Catholic faith, I would not post anonymously. All people of good will should be able to admit that they ought not attack what they know nothing about and that, in fairness, they ought to do research and educate themselves before challenging a belief or practice they are unfamiliar with and do not properly understand.

My goal here is to help Christopher Bowman in the only way we now can, not to start an inter-faith dialogue. If you have compassion in your heart for Christopher then -- no matter what you believe -- take a chance, and pray for the repose of his soul. For all who do, thank you and God bless you. Someday soon, Christopher will be praying for you in return, I'm more than sure.

Hard to believe it's been 1 year since this tragic loss. RIP Christopher.

I loved Bowman! What a charming and talented skater! However...

From what I've read, he was simply an addict. Sure, he may have suffered from manic depression (the correct term), but not all manic depressives become horrible drug addicts.

At the end, he was stealing to support his habit and living out of his car! C'mon folks, are you blind? He didn't even spend Xmas with his family, even though he was in L.A.!

They found Cocaine, Valium, alcohol, and Seroquel in his blood. No Vicodin. The poster who said that is wrong. Along with Belushi, Chris Farley, Marilyn, and many more...a talented drug addict died. He's in a better place.

Clearly your view is jaded by misunderstanding the Bipolar (the correct term) decease. Further, unless you've actually read and had the toxicology results interpreted by an MD you'd have no clue of his actual cause of death.

Misinformation is damning to the poster who passes it along without actually checking for facts in what they've read or heard. None of the rest of your statement is at all correct.

Sorry for mistakes in English, pity I don't know it well.I saw Christopher on tv when i was 13 .World Championship.Can't explain my feelings that day!What a guy!What a talent,charm and charisma!It was love at first sight,sure!)))i lived that days in Soviet Union ,in little town,and have no any information about Christopher.26 years later...I became adult woman,have a daughter and thought that my "fan"days in the past.But I saw this..Yes,8 years later after his death..I can't believe in this!I don t want believe.Now I understand that this world was warmer with him.His charm,his smile,his talent are one of the greatest things ever.Never forget.Rest in peace.