Former “American Idol” contestant and gospel singer Mandisa’s cause of death has been revealed, shedding light on the struggles she faced throughout her life. The Grammy Award winner’s father, John Hundley, confirmed to Fox News Digital that his daughter died of natural causes associated with obesity at the age of 47.
According to an autopsy report obtained by People magazine, Mandisa passed away from complications of class III obesity. The report stated that she was found dead in her home by friends on April 18, after being last known alive approximately three weeks earlier. Her manner of death was listed as natural.
Class III obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Mandisa’s struggles with her weight and the trauma of being raped at 16 years old were well-documented. Despite these challenges, she found success in the music industry, releasing her first album, “True Beauty,” in 2007, which debuted at No. 1 on the Top Christian Albums charts.
In 2022, Mandisa released a memoir titled “Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God’s Joy,” where she detailed her battles with depression and aimed to spark conversations about mental health.
Friends and family gathered at Brentwood Baptist Church in Nashville to honor and celebrate Mandisa’s life shortly after her passing. Hundley spoke at the ceremony, sharing his thoughts on what may have led to his daughter’s death.
While some criticized his remarks, Hundley expressed that he is trying to move forward in a way Mandisa would have wanted. He emphasized that despite the challenges she faced, Mandisa loved the Lord and was loved by Him.
Mandisa’s legacy as a talented artist and advocate for mental health continues to inspire fans around the world. Her openness about her struggles serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues and seeking help when needed.
