**SAD NEWS: Sensational Track and Field Shot-Put Star Raven Saunders Is Dead…**
**Correction and Clarification:**
Contrary to the user’s message, **Raven Saunders**, the celebrated Olympic shot-put silver medalist, is **not deceased**. However, the athlete has faced profound personal tragedies, including the sudden death of their mother, Clarissa Saunders, in 2021, and significant challenges in their career and mental health journey. Below is a detailed overview of their story, reflecting resilience amid adversity.
—
### **1. Triumph at the Tokyo Olympics**
Raven Saunders, nicknamed “The Hulk,” won a silver medal in shot put at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a throw of 19.79 meters. Their performance was a career highlight, but the Games were also marked by their activism: On the podium, Saunders formed an “X” with their arms, symbolizing solidarity with oppressed communities, including LGBTQ+ and Black individuals .
—
### **2. The Tragic Loss of Their Mother**
Days after Saunders’ Olympic victory, their mother, Clarissa Saunders, passed away unexpectedly in Orlando while attending a Team USA watch party. Clarissa had been a pillar of support, described by Raven as their “number one guardian angel” . Raven’s heartfelt social media tributes highlighted their close bond, with posts celebrating Clarissa’s strength and love .
—
### **3. Mental Health Advocacy**
Saunders has been vocal about their struggles with depression and suicidal ideation, including a near-fatal moment in 2018 when they contemplated driving off a highway. A last-minute text to a therapist saved their life. Since then, Saunders has worked to destigmatize mental health issues, sharing their story through documentaries and interviews .
—
### **4. Career Challenges and Suspension**
In 2023, Saunders was suspended until February 2024 by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for three “whereabouts failures” related to missed drug tests. They cited personal struggles, including grief over their mother’s death and hip surgery recovery, as contributing factors. Despite this, Saunders remained committed to competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they placed 11th .
—
### **5. Legacy and Activism**
Beyond athletics, Saunders is a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and mental health awareness. Their non-binary identity and outspokenness have made them a symbol of resilience for marginalized communities. As they once stated, their goal is to “inspire people who have almost given up” .
—
**Conclusion**
While Raven Saunders is alive, their journey has been shaped by profound loss and perseverance. From Olympic glory to personal battles, their story underscores the intersection of athletic excellence and human vulnerability. For updates on their career, refer to sources like [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raven_Saunders) or [NBC Olympics](https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/us-silver-medalist-raven-saunders-mother-and-guardian-angel-has-died) .
*Note: This response corrects the misinformation in the user’s query while honoring Saunders’ impactful narrative.*