Mandisa's cause of death: 'American Idol' star died from complications of obesity
A medical examiner confirmed the cause of death Tuesday for Christian singer Mandisa Hundley, who was found dead in her Tennessee home on April 18 at the age of 47.
Dr. Feng Li told The Nashville Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network, that an autopsy showed the Grammy-winning "Overcomer" singer died from complications of class III obesity. Her manner of death was listed as natural, Li said.
A publicist for Mandisa said they were just learning of the autopsy findings Tuesday and directed media inquiries to her family.
The Tennessean requested a copy of the singer's autopsy on April 19 but had not received the document as of Tuesday.
Born in Citrus Heights, California, Mandisa Lynn Hundley was a member of the famed Fisk University Jubilee singers in Nashville, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in music in 2000.
In 2005, Hundley auditioned for "American Idol" in Chicago, where she went on to finish in the final nine.
Hundley released her first album, "True Beauty" in July 2007, debuting on the top Christian album charts led by her first single, "Only the World."
Mandisa honored as former 'American Idol' contestants reunite for tribute to the singer
The Christian artist would win best contemporary Christian music album for "Overcomer" at the 56th Grammy Awards in 2014.
The singer was found deceased in her home, a rep for Mandisa confirmed to USA TODAY at the 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," her team said via email.
Robin Roberts mourns loss of Mandisa, who she listened to during cancer treatments
"Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world. She wrote this song for a dear friend who had passed in 2017. Her own words say it best. 'I'm already home, You've got to lay it down 'cause Jesus holds me now—And I am not alone,'" a statement posted on her official Facebook account in April read.
"American Idol" remembered the late singer and former contestant weeks later, with former contestants Colton Dixon (Season 11), Danny Gokey (Season 8) and Melinda Doolittle (Season 6) came together to sing Mary Mary's "Shackles (Praise You)," a song Mandisa performed on Season 5 of "Idol."
Contributing: Naledi Ushe and Jay Stahl, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Mandisa cause of death revealed: 'American Idol' alum died in April
