Yahoo Lifestyle 'American Idol' Star Mandisa's Cause of Death at 47 Released
Mandisa
On April 18, gospel singer Mandisa was found dead in her home. The American Idol alum was 47, and her cause of death was a mystery—until now.
An autopsy report obtained by People revealed that Mandisa's cause of death was due to complications of class III obesity, also known as morbid obesity, per Cleveland Clinic. The condition is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater or a BMI of 35 or greater and "experiencing obesity-related health conditions."
Furthermore, Mandisa's manner of death was listed as "natural."
The Grammy winner "was last known alive approximately three weeks" before friends discovered her in her Nashville, Tenn., home, according to the report.
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On April 19, Mandisa's official Instagram account confirmed the news of her untimely death.
"At this time we do not know the cause of death or any further details," the message read, alongside a side-profile picture of the singer. "We ask for your prayers for her family and close knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time."
The post continued: "Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world."
In 2006, Mandisa competed on Season 5 of American Idol; she finished in ninth place overall. The songstress went on to release six studio albums and in 2014, she won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for Overcomer.
“Mandisa loved Jesus, and she used her unusually extensive platform to talk about Him at every turn,” David Pierce, chief media officer for California Christian radio station K-Love, said in April. “Her kindness was epic, her smile electric, her voice massive, but it was no match for the size of her heart.”
