American Idol star and Grammy-winning singer Mandisa’s cause of death has been revealed.
The singer was found dead at her home in Tennessee in April, leading to an investigation into her death. She was reportedly “last known alive approximately three weeks” before her body was found.
According to an autopsy report obtained by People, the ‘Overcomer’ singer died of complications of Class III obesity. She was 47 years old.
The Cleveland Clinic have described the disease which occurs when a person “has a body mass index (BMI) or 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher and is experiencing obesity-related health conditions.”
The Cleveland Clinic also explains how “healthcare providers may use other tests and tools to assess obesity, such as measuring waist circumference.” Serious health conditions can result from Class III obesity, including Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Mandisa and Simon Cowell on April 5, 2006. CREDIT: Getty/Photo by Ray Mickshaw/WireImage
Mandisa’s representative confirmed her death in a statement to People at the time, writing: “We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased.”
They continued: “At this time we do not know the cause of death or any further details. We ask for your prayers for her family and close knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
The singer, who was originally from Citrus Heights in California, studied music at college before becoming a contestant on the fifth season of hit US talent show American Idol.
Although she finished in ninth place, she became the fifth American Idol contestant to win a Grammy when her 2013 album ‘Overcomer’ won the award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.
In May 2017, after some time out of the public eye grieving the loss of a close friend and reportedly battling with her mental health problems, Mandisa released her memoir, Out Of The Dark: My Journey Through The Shadows To Find God’s Joy, where she detailed her struggles with depression.
She would release her final album in the same year, titled Out Of The Dark, marking the first album she had recorded in three years.
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