American Gladiators star Debbie ‘Storm’ Clark dead at 61 as family reveals tragic cause of death

AMERICAN Gladiators alum Debbie Clark has died at 61 after struggling with health issues. The former reality star, most known as “Storm,” died on Monday at her home in Boston. American Gladiators alum Debbie ‘Storm’ Clark has died at 61 Credit: GTV Debbie competed on American Gladiators in 1991, after the former competitor, ‘Gold,’ suffered an injury Credit: GTV Her brother, Steven, shared the news with TMZ on Wednesday, saying that she passed after her pacemaker “gave out.” He said her family was with her at the time of the incident. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! Debbie’s son, Clayton, further told the outlet that his mother had “overworked herself,” which he claimed led her pacemaker to stop working. He revealed that Debbie died in his arms before paramedics arrived. Clayton said that despite paramedics’ efforts, they were unable to resuscitate his mother. He believes she died from cardiac arrest, although that has not been confirmed. Clayton set up a GoFundMe to raise donations so the family could spread Debbie’s ashes. As of this writing, the fundraiser has received nearly $800 of its $3,500 goal. Most read in TV Debbie competed on American Gladiators in 1991, after the former competitor, “Gold,” suffered an injury. She soon adopted the nickname “Storm,” after producers gushed over her performance, saying she had “blown them all away.” Debbie regularly appeared on the competition series until 1993, and even sang the national anthem at an American Gladiators event. She eventually retired after suffering from a serious ACL injury. Debbie retired in 1993 after suffering from a serious ACL injury Credit: GTV Debbie reportedly died at her Boston home after her pacemaker ‘gave out’ Credit: Buonfiglio Funeral Home The show’s official Instagram page shared a sweet tribute on Tuesday to the late competitor, calling her “an athlete, performer, survivor, mother and Gladiator.” The post also noted that Debbie “faced significant challenges in her personal life” following her departure from the show. Debbie reportedly dealt with homelessness and received help from TV star Sherri Shepherd, who paid for her rent for six months. According to her obituary, a private service will be held for Debbie at a funeral home in Massachusetts. American Gladiators originally ran in syndication for seven seasons from 1989 to 1996. The show had a short-lived revival on NBC in 2008, and multiple documentaries thereafter about the iconic series. A reboot of the beloved show launched this past April on Amazon Prime with WWE and MTVs The Challenge alum Mike “The Miz” Mizanin as the host. Comment now