CAUSE OF DEATH FOR AMERICAN IDOL'S MANDISA DISCLOSED - VORAKA

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN VORAKA

Article Published on 06 June 2024 by Kelley Rose | www.vorakamag.com

The cause of death for the late singer-songwriter Mandisa has been disclosed following an autopsy report released on Wednesday, June 5. According to PEOPLE, Mandisa passed away due to "complications of class III obesity." The report also indicated that she was discovered deceased in her home on April 18, and had last been seen alive approximately three weeks earlier.

Class III obesity, previously referred to as "morbid obesity," is a chronic condition defined by the Cleveland Clinic as having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or 35 or higher with associated health problems. This condition can result in heart disease and other health issues, though it is manageable.

Mandisa's family confirmed her passing in a statement to the outlet on April 19. "We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased," they wrote. "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."

Hailing from California, Mandisa gained acclaim during season 5 of American Idol. Although she was eliminated as a top 9 contestant, her standout renditions of Chaka Khan’s “I’m Every Woman” and Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” helped propel her towards stardom.

During her time on the show, she made headlines by forgiving judge Simon Cowell for a remark about her weight. "What I want to say to you is that, yes, you hurt me, and I cried and it was painful, it really was," she told Simon. "But I want you to know that I’ve forgiven you and that you don’t need someone to apologize in order to forgive somebody. I figure that if Jesus could die so that all of my wrongs could be forgiven, I can certainly extend that same grace to you." Simon later apologized for his comment.

After her elimination from Idol, Mandisa released her debut album, True Beauty, in 2007. She went on to win a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.