Grammy-Award-winning Contemporary Christian singer Mandisa rose to fame on Season 5 of American Idol, finishing in ninth place. She was just 47 when she was found dead in her Nashville home by friends on April 19th of this year. A cause of death has now been released for the star, whose given name is Mandisa Lynn Hundley. According to People, the singer succumbed to complications of Class III Obesity. However, her manner of death was listed as natural.
According to The Cleveland Clinic, Class III Obesity used to be referred to as morbid obesity, “A complex chronic disease in which a person has a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher and is experiencing obesity-related health conditions.” Studies have reported that extreme obesity can decrease life expectancy by up to 14 years. Mandisa had been last known alive three weeks before her death, according to reports.
The singer also saw her share of triumphs and tears. Right after winning two Grammy awards for Overcomers, her best friend and backup singer, Kisha Mitchell, died of breast cancer while pregnant. Mandisa became depressed, gained 200 pounds, and became a recluse for a time, she told People. Then, she fought her way out of the darkness.
But although she is no longer on this physical plane, Mandisa has left us with six albums that give us the beauty of her voice that will live on.
