(Scypre.com) – Grammy-winning artist and American Idol alum, Mandisa, passed away at age 47 due to complications from class III obesity, as confirmed by an autopsy report obtained by PEOPLE. Friends found her deceased in her home on April 18, and it was determined that she had been dead for approximately three weeks. Her death has been classified as natural.
Class III obesity is characterized by having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher accompanied by obesity-related health conditions, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Mandisa’s representative confirmed her death to PEOPLE on April 19, expressing the family’s request for prayers during this difficult time.
Mandisa, originally from Citrus Heights, California, gained national attention as a contestant on season 5 of American Idol, where she finished in the top 9 alongside notable contestants like Katharine McPhee and Chris Daughtry. Following her success on Idol, Mandisa released her debut album, “True Beauty,” in 2007, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart. This achievement made her the first new female artist to top the chart, and the album earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album.
Throughout her career, Mandisa released five more albums, including “Overcomer” in 2013, which won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. Despite her professional success, Mandisa faced significant personal challenges, particularly after the death of her best friend and backup singer, Kisha Mitchell, in 2014. This loss led to a deep depression and a period of reclusiveness for Mandisa.
During this dark period, Mandisa struggled with her mental health, which led to significant weight gain and further isolation. She described battling shame and becoming a recluse, only leaving her home for basic necessities. This struggle with depression and suicidal ideation was profound, but a pivotal moment came in 2016 when her friends staged an intervention, encouraging her to seek counseling. This intervention was crucial in her journey to recovery.
Mandisa began focusing on her physical and mental health, making incremental changes to improve her well-being. She channeled her experiences into her 2017 album, “Out of the Dark,” and shared her story in a 2022 memoir, “Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God’s Joy.” Mandisa emphasized that no one is alone in their struggles, offering hope and encouragement to others facing similar challenges.