Bowie starred for the US at Rio 2016, winning a silver medal in the 100m and bronze in the 200m before contributing to an American gold in the 4x100m relay in which she ran the anchor leg in the final.

She also ran the last leg for the US team which won the 4x100m relay at the 2017 World Athletics Championships in London, where she clinched the 100m title two years after a bronze in Beijing.

Her agency Icon Management announced news of her death on Twitter.

"We’re devasted to share the very sad news that Tori Bowie has passed away," Icon Management wrote.

"We’ve lost a client, dear friend, daughter and sister.

"Tori was a champion… a beacon of light that shined so bright!

"We’re truly heartbroken and our prayers are with the family and friends."

Bowie also competed in the long jump, finishing fourth in the final of her last major event at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha.

World Athletics said it is "deeply saddened" by Bowie's death, and offered its condolences to her family and friends.

USA Track and Field also said it is "deeply saddened" by the news, and wrote on Twitter "her impact on the sport is immeasurable".

Jamaican legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, a winner of eight Olympic medals including a bronze in the Rio 2016 100m final in which Bowie finished second, was among those who paid tribute.

"My heart breaks for the family of Tori Bowie," Fraser-Pryce wrote on Twitter.

"A great competitor and source of light.

"Your energy and smile will always be with me.

"Rest in peace."

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach also offered his condolences.

"Shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Olympic gold medallist Tori Bowie," the German official said.

"In this moment of grief, let me express my heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. 

"The sports world has lost a true champion."

A cause of Bowie's death has not been released.

Earlier in the day, World Athletics had said it was "deeply saddened" at the death of Atlanta 1996 Olympic bronze medallist in the men's 400m hurdles Davis on Monday (May 1).

That marked his debut season in the event, having switched from the 400m.

The men's 400m hurdles race at Atlanta 1996 was won by Davis' compatriot Derrick Adkins.

Adkins wrote on Facebook: "Rest in peace to my friend and Olympic teammate."

Davis contributed to a US gold medal in the men's 4x400m at the 1995 World Indoor Championships in Barcelona.

He went on to compete at the 2001 World Championships in Edmonton before moving into coaching after retirement.

A cause of death has not been announced.

Earlier in the week, another American athletics star in Ralph Boston died at the age of 83.

Boston won men's long jump gold at Rome 1960, silver at Tokyo 1964 and bronze at Mexico City 1968.

He also broke the long jump world record in August 1960 with a leap of 8.21 metres, beating the 8.13m set by compatriot Jesse Owens 25 years earlier, and went on to better that on five occasions.