Debbie “Storm” Clark Former American Gladiators Star Dead At 61

BOSTON, MA. (THECOUNT) — Debbie “Storm” Clark, a former “American Gladiators” competitor who became known as Storm on the popular television series, has died at 61 at her Boston home, according to her family. Clark’s son said her pacemaker stopped working and that she died while family members were waiting for paramedics to arrive.

Clark’s brother, Steven Clark, said that she died Monday at her home. Family members were present at the time.

Her son, Crayton Clark, said his mother died in his arms while they waited for emergency responders. He said paramedics attempted to resuscitate her but were unable to revive her. Crayton said he lived in the same apartment complex as his mother so he could spend time with her and help care for her.

Crayton said he believed his mother’s death was related to cardiac arrest. He also said her pacemaker had stopped working. The precise medical cause of death has not been independently confirmed.

Clark became part of “American Gladiators” in 1991 after competitor Gold suffered an injury. Producers gave her the name Storm after telling her she had “blown them all away,” according to the franchise’s account of her career.

Storm quickly became a notable competitor on the series, particularly in the Powerball and Joust events. She remained a regular cast member through 1993, displaying the athletic ability that had distinguished her before joining the program.

Before “American Gladiators,” Clark had excelled in multiple sports, including basketball, soccer and track. The franchise described her as an exceptional athlete who brought those abilities to the televised competitions.

Clark also demonstrated talents outside the competition arena. During one “American Gladiators” event, she performed the national anthem, showcasing her singing ability to the audience.

A serious ACL injury ultimately ended Clark’s run on the program. Following her departure from “American Gladiators,” the franchise said she faced significant challenges in her personal life.

Clark’s later struggles included a period of homelessness, according to reports. In 2011, television personality Sherri Shepherd helped Clark pay six months of rent after learning about her circumstances.

Clark’s family has established a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral expenses and allow her ashes to be spread with her mother. She is survived by her son, Crayton.

Via GoFundMe:

“My mom was an amazing mother, she was everything to me, she was my world. She passed 2 days ago. It’s been insanely hard for me mentally because I relied on her for everything. She was a strong woman, but sometimes the strongest people struggle the most. She carried me through life and is still with me in spirit, but the day she passed i knew i had to grow as a person. Since all I’ve known is my life with her I’m starting over. When she was alive she made everything easy for me; however she was struggling with heart problems which she hid from everyone as she still wanted people to see her as a warrior, as storm. I understand why some people looked up to her, as did I, but sometimes your heroes are dealing with their own demons.

I would like to be able to spread her ashes with her mother so I can finally feel like she’s at rest with the one she loved the most. I’m already struggling because she didn’t leave me with much because she didn’t have much material wise, but she made up for it in love and kindness.

I don’t know how to do this, but as her only child I’m reaching out to those who loved her for help. I love my mother and wan’t to ensure that she is where she wants to be most.”

Clark’s death marks the loss of one of the recognizable competitors from the original era of “American Gladiators,” which became a popular syndicated competition series during the late 1980s and 1990s. Her Storm persona was associated particularly with the physically demanding Powerball and Joust events.

Boston is located in Suffolk County in eastern Massachusetts and is the state’s largest city. Clark died at her home in the Boston area, where she had been living with support from family.

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