Autopsy report finally uncovers why Christian singer Mandisa suddenly died at age 47



Grammy-winning Christian singer Mandisa died from complications related to obesity.

More than a month after Mandisa was found deceased in her Nashville-area residence, the medical examiner's autopsy report showed that Mandisa's cause of death was complications from Class III obesity.

'She told me some time ago that she had gotten COVID-19, and she had been weak trying to get over that.'

Class III obesity is defined as having a body mass index of 40 or higher "or a BMI of 35 or higher and is experiencing obesity-related health conditions," according to the Cleveland Clinic. Class III obesity used to be called "morbid obesity" because it produced serious health conditions known as "comorbidities." But the name was later changed, according to the Cleveland Clinic, because using "morbid" to describe obesity sends a "false and problematic societal" signal.

Mandisa's manner of death was listed as "natural," according to People magazine. She was 47.

The "American Idol" alumna talked publicly about her struggles with depression and weight after she lost a close friend.

"[Emotional eating] is what I have done my entire life," she admitted in 2017. "After losing 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 passed."

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At a celebration of life event, Mandisa's father, John Hundley, dispelled rumors that his daughter died by suicide and explained that she had been struggling from complications related to COVID-19.

"She did not harm herself," he said. "As she said, Mandisa loved the Lord, and the Lord loved Mandisa.

"There's one thing you may not have known: She told me some time ago that she had gotten COVID-19, and she had been weak trying to get over that. But she was trying to press through," Hundley explained.

Hundley said his daughter was found on the floor next to her bed. He believes she fell but could not reach her phone to call for help.

"Here's what I think happened," he said.

"Mandisa fell down in her bedroom. They found her on the floor," he explained. "If you look from the rear of her bed, she was laying on the left side. It’s clear that's where she was laying, there was a couple of big rugs there and some clothes. On the right side of the bed, front, was this nightstand, and I found her phone on the right side of the bed. There was no way for Mandisa to get around the bed, go out there, and get a phone to call for help."

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Obesity Kills Christian Gospel Singer Mandisa More Than 30 Years Early

On Tuesday, People Magazine reported Mandisa died in April at just 47 years old after struggling with class III obesity.

Father of Christian singer Mandisa shares insight about his daughter's tragic sudden death: 'They found her on the floor'



The father of Christian singer Mandisa, who suddenly died this month, is providing new insight into his daughter's tragic end.

The Grammy-award winning singer, whose solo career began after appearing on "American Idol," was found dead inside her Nashville-area home on April 18. Last week, the Franklin Police Department said the investigation into Mandisa's death was ongoing and confirmed there was "no indication the death was the result of suspicious or criminal activity."

On Saturday, Mandisa's friends and family gathered at Brentwood Baptist Church to celebrate her life.

During the service, Mandisa's father, John Hundley, revealed that he has spoken with a detective about what he believes happened to his daughter, and that investigator "did not disagree with me."

"Here's what I think happened," Hundley began.

"Mandisa fell down in her bedroom. They found her on the floor," he explained. "If you look from the rear of her bed, she was laying on the left side. It’s clear that's where she was laying, there was a couple of big rugs there and some clothes. On the right side of the bed, front, was this nightstand, and I found her phone on the right side of the bed. There was no way for Mandisa to get around the bed, go out there, and get a phone to call for help."

Mandisa's Father Tells What Led To Her Death During Her Celebration of Life | April 27, 2024 www.youtube.com

An emotional Hundley then shut down speculation about Mandisa's death and provided insight into her health in the months leading up to her death.

"She did not harm herself," he said. "As she said, Mandisa loved the Lord, and the Lord loved Mandisa.

"There's one thing you may not have known: She told me some time ago that she had gotten COVID-19, and she had been weak trying to get over that. But she was trying to press through," he explained.

Earlier in his remarks, Hundley said police will say more about Mandisa's death in the coming weeks.

The Tennessee Department of Health, meanwhile, said a full autopsy report would be released sometime in the next 60-90 says, the Tennessean reported.

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Grammy Award-winning Christian singer and 'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47: 'Her kindness was epic'



Christian music artist and "American Idol" alum Mandisa has died, according to multiple reports. Mandisa Lynn Hundley was 47.

Mandisa reportedly died on Thursday at her home in Nashville, Tennessee. The cause of death is not yet known.

Mandisa's official Facebook page confirmed the death in a post: "Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world."

The Facebook page shared Mandisa's song titled "You Wouldn't Cry (Andrew S Song)," which has the lyrics: "I'm already home. You've got to lay it down 'cause Jesus holds me now — and I am not alone."

David Pierce – chief media officer at Christian radio station K-Love – said of the talented singer:

Mandisa loved Jesus, and she used her unusually extensive platform to talk about Him at every turn. 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. We’re praying for Mandisa’s family and friends and ask you to join us.

In her book, "Out of the Dark: My Journey through the Shadows to Find God's Joy," Mandisa chronicled her challenges with depression but always trusted God for healing.

"I think so many people have struggled. Even people that we see in the Bible. The way that I see God address those people, is not by saying, I'm so ashamed of you, I'm so disappointed, but with love and with grace. I think that's how we should respond to each other as well," she wrote, according to Christian radio station CHVN.

The California native studied vocal jazz at American River College in Sacramento and music at Fisk University in Tennessee.

Mandisa garnered a national spotlight when she auditioned for Season 5 of “American Idol” in 2005.

Mandisa won over fans when she gracefully forgave "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell after he made derogatory comments about her weight.

"You hurt me. It was painful. It really was," Mandisa told Cowell. "But I want you to know that I have forgiven you. You don’t need someone to apologize in order to forgive somebody. I figured that if Jesus could die so that all of my sins could be forgiven, I could certainly extend that same grace to you."

After becoming a star on "American Idol" by finishing in the top 10, Mandisa released her first album, "True Beauty," in 2007. The album debuted at No. 43 on the Billboard 200 and at the top of Billboard’s Christian album chart – the first for a female artist. Her first single, "Only the World," debuted at No. 2 on the hot singles chart and hit No. 1 in its second week.

Her 2013 album, “Overcomer,” won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.

Mandisa released six studio albums, and her last one was released in 2017.

The platinum-selling singer collaborated with TobyMac, Kirk Franklin, Jordan Feliz, Matthew West, Michael W. Smith, and Jon Reddick.

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