By Olivia Peterson // Death // EEW Magazine Online

*Mandisa’s cause of death revealed as complications due to Class III Obesity, formerly known as morbid obesity. (Credit: Slaven Vlasic/Getty/EEW)*

The cause of death for Mandisa, the beloved Grammy-winning Christian singer and former American Idol contestant, has been revealed.

According to an autopsy report obtained by EEW Magazine, Mandisa passed away due to complications related to class III obesity at the age of 47. Her passing was discovered by friends on April 18, and it is believed she had been deceased for approximately three weeks prior. The autopsy listed her death as natural.

Class III obesity, formerly known as morbid obesity, is defined by the Cleveland Clinic as a condition where an individual has a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health issues.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that obesity “caused an estimated 5 million deaths from noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, neurological disorders, chronic respiratory diseases, and digestive disorders,” in 2019.

A representative for Mandisa confirmed her passing in a statement on April 19: "We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased. 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."

Born and raised in Citrus Heights, California, Mandisa, whose full name is Mandisa Lynn Hundley, pursued music in college before capturing the hearts of audiences as a contestant on the fifth season of American Idol. She finished in the top nine, sharing the stage with notable talents like Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Chris Daughtry, and season winner Taylor Hicks.

Mandisa's debut album, True Beauty, released in 2007, soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart, marking a significant milestone as she became the first new female artist to achieve this honor. The album also earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album.

Throughout her career, Mandisa released six albums, including the Grammy Award-winning Overcomer in 2013, which won Best Contemporary Christian Music Album the following year.

In 2014, Mandisa faced a profound loss when her best friend and backup singer, Kisha Mitchell, passed away from breast cancer while pregnant. This tragedy sent Mandisa into a deep depression she told Good Morning America in 2017 and led to emotional eating. “After losing over 120 pounds, which I talked about my first time here, I gained it all back and 75 more. I sunk into the deepest depression of my life after Kisha died.”

Her struggle with mental health led Mandisa to isolate herself and turn to food for comfort. "You’re battling shame, and you don’t want to leave the house," she shared in an interview with PEOPLE. "I didn’t leave the house, for the most part. When I got up, I went downstairs, sat in the recliner, and I watched television nonstop. The only time I left was when I got tired of pizza delivery and decided to get McDonald’s."

Despite her struggles, she remained grounded in her Christian beliefs. "I am a woman of faith, and I believe that Heaven is real, and when I do leave here, I’m going to be in heaven with Jesus," she reflected. "One of the things I started hearing during that dark period was: ‘You’re in so much pain. If you take your life, you could be in heaven right now with Jesus.'"

In 2016, a rare outing to the movies led to an intervention by her friends, who left sticky notes on her car with messages like "We love you" and "Come back to us." This act of love and encouragement prompted Mandisa to seek counseling, which she credits with saving her life. "If that hadn’t happened, I probably wouldn’t be here today," she acknowledged.

Focusing on her mental and physical health, Mandisa began making healthier choices and shared her journey through her 2017 album Out of the Dark and her 2022 memoir Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God's Joy.

Mandisa's death was first shared in a blog post by Christian radio station K-Love. “Her kindness was epic, her smile electric, her voice massive, but it wasno match for the size of her heart. Mandisa struggled, and she was vulnerable enough to share that with us, which helped us talk about our own struggles. Mandisa’s struggles are over. She is with the God she sang about now. While we are saddened, Mandisa is home," the statement read.

Mandisa's life and legacy remind us of the power of faith, community, and resilience when facing life's darkest moments.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.