Grammy-award winning gospel singer Mandisa died of complications of class III obesity, according to her autopsy.
The star who rose to fame on season five of “American Idol” was found dead in her home in Franklin, near Nashville, Tennessee, on April 18. She was 47.
Her cause of death was listed as natural, the Nashville medical examiner’s office told NBC News Wednesday.
Class III obesity is when a person has a body mass index of 40 or higher or a body mass index of 35 or higher while experiencing obesity-related health conditions, according to The Cleveland Clinic. Class III obesity “can contribute to the development of several serious health conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease,” the clinic said.
The artist, whose full name is Mandisa Lynn Hundley, originally hailed from California. She grew up singing in church before studying vocal performance at American River College in California, and Fisk University in Nashville, according to her record label artist bio.
She went on to work as a backup vocalist for artists then went on “American Idol” where she placed ninth.
The star won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2014 for her album “Overcomer.”
Mandisa has been vocal about her health and weight journey.
In 2017, she opened up to “Good Morning America” about a deep depression she experienced in 2014, and how she almost took her own life following the death of a close friend.
In that state, she resorted to emotional eating and isolation.
“(Emotional eating) is what I have done my entire life,” she explained. “After losing over 120 pounds, which I talked about my first time here, I gained it all back and 75 more. I sunk into the deepest depression of my life after Kisha died.”
She said her friends ultimately intervened, and she was able to get help.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
