Olympic silver medalist Raven Saunders is grieving the loss of her mother after relatives confirmed her passing in Orlando, Florida on Tuesday, WBTW -TV reported.

Relatives said Saunders’ mother, Clarissa Saunders, traveled from Charleston, South Carolina, to attend a 2020 Tokyo Olympics watch party in Florida to see Raven compete in the games, WCSC-TV reported. It's not yet clear how she passed.

Some sad news… Olympic Silver Medalist Raven Saunders' mom has died, Raven's coach says.

He says Clarissa Saunders, who we interviewed on Friday, was at #Olympics watch parties in Florida.

He says, "Raven (@GiveMe1Shot) sends her love to everyone and is staying strong." pic.twitter.com/ZjZubQda3h

— Rob Way (@RobWayTV) August 3, 2021

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg said in a statement that he and his wife “are heartbroken to hear of the tragic loss of Clarissa Saunders, beloved mother to Raven Saunders and a cherished member of the Charleston community."

“She was Raven’s strongest supporter, and joined us just this past Friday to cheer her daughter on as she qualified for the Olympic shot put finals. On behalf of the citizens of Charleston, we pray for Raven and her family, and join them in grieving this unimaginable loss,” he continued.

Raven was expected to return home on Thursday from Tokyo, however, family members are trying to have her return to the U.S. sooner.

Following the death of her mother, the track and field star said in a tweet that she would take some time away from social media.

“Hoping off social media for a while to take care of my mental and my family. My mama was a great woman and will forever live through me. My number one guardian angel. I will always and forever love you,” Raven said.

Hoping off social media for a while to take care of my mental and my family. My mama was a great woman and will forever live through me. My number one guardian angel ???????? I will always and forever love you. https://t.co/XWOjE56EjI

— Raven HULK Saunders (@GiveMe1Shot) August 3, 2021

Many people took to Twitter to uplift Raven’s spirits and let her know that she’s not alone during this tragic time.

Ain’t no way she wasn’t at peace. Watching you win, dominate, & give it all you got how you did, ain’t no way she wasn’t happy & proud. I know that’s little consolation but it’s FACTS ! Take your mental rest & take your time. She is & always will be proud of you Miss Raven ! ????????????????

— King Money ???? (@kiingmoney1) August 3, 2021

I'm so sorry for your loss. Take all the time you need. We are cheering for you.

— Dr. Raven the Science Maven (@ravenscimaven) August 3, 2021

I'm so happy she was able to see you flourish before transitioning. Clearly, you made it so she didn't need to see anything else for life to feel complete. You're covered by the best now. Stay as strong as you are and your blessings will continue to flow. Much love to you. ????

— Sassbox Grand Supreme (@MissSassbox) August 3, 2021

Praying for you and your family during this most difficult time. Sending condolences and love ❤????❤????❤????

— Danyale Jones (@danyaleljones) August 3, 2021

Oh honey. My heart hurts for you and your family. As a mother, I can imagine the pride she had in you. ????As a daughter who lost her mom in April, I can tell you some days will be easier than others. Take time to heal and reach out when you need help. ❤️‍????

— Shanda Green (@ShandaGreen) August 3, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss. We are all so proud of you, so proud of your accomplishments. Your mother birthed a child, raised a caring person, who became an Olympian, a World Champion. May she rest in power.

— SMR (@Shaye61564262) August 3, 2021

I’m so devastated for you, Raven. She lives through you and loves you always. I’m wrapping in love while you grieve and find peace. You have a community of people who love you and are here for you. And I’m another. Please know that whatever whenever I’m here. As always.

— Melissa Soule (she/her/hers) (@Ms_Soule) August 3, 2021

The USA Track and Field association also issued a statement on Twitter and said Raven’s “mother leaves behind an incredible legacy in her daughter for who we are so proud and grateful to call our teammate."

The USOPC & USATF would like to offer Raven our most sincere condolences. Her mother leaves behind an incredible legacy in her daughter for who we are so proud and grateful to call our teammate. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Saunders family during this difficult time.

— USATF (@usatf) August 3, 2021

Raven was awarded the silver medal over the weekend during her shot-put competition and quickly became the center of controversy when the International Olympic Committee announced it would investigate after she made an “X” gesture during her medal ceremony, as Blavity previously reported.

The IOC forbids protest of any kind during the Olympic games and is investigating to see if the shot putter violated the rules put in place.

Raven said she made the “X” gesture to stand in solidarity with members of the Black and LGBTQ+ communities who struggle with their mental health.

Raven Saunders

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