Singer Mandisa died from complications of class III obesity, autopsy reveals

Grammy-winning gospel singer Mandisa died from complications of class III obesity, according to her autopsy.

The star who rose to fame on the fifth season of “American Idol” was found dead in her home in Franklin, near Nashville, Tennessee, on April 18.

Her cause of death was listed as natural, the Nashville medical examiner’s office told NBC News on Wednesday.

Class III obesity occurs 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 problems, according to The Cleveland Clinic. Class III obesity “can contribute to the development of several serious health problems, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease,” the clinic said.

The artist, whose full name is Mandisa Lynn Hundley, was born in 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 biography.

She went on to work as a backing vocalist for artists and then went on to “American Idol,” where she came in ninth place.

The star won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2014 for her album “Overcomer.”

Mandisa has been open about her health and weight journey.

In 2017, she opened for “Good Morning America” about a deep depression she experienced in 2014 and how she almost took her own life after the death of a close friend.

In this state, she resorted to emotional eating and isolation.

“(Emotional eating) is what I’ve done my whole life,” she explained. “After losing over 50 pounds, which I talked about the first time here, I gained it all back plus 75 more. I sank into the deepest depression of my life after Kisha died.”

She said her friends finally intervened and she got 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, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.