Mandisa: American Idol star's cause of death revealed following passing aged 47

The singer, who competed on the fifth series of American Idol, was found dead at her home in Tennessee on April 18. According to TMZ, Mandisa, who was born Mandisa Lynn Hundley, died from “complications of class III obesity”.

The information came from the autopsy report written up by the medical examiner, who noted that at the time of her death, Mandisa weighed 488 pounds - almost 35 stone. She was found in a state of decomposition by her friends, however an autopsy was able to be conducted.

A toxicology report also found that there was nothing in her system at the time of her death. Mandisa’s passing was ruled as natural as a result.

Her father previously said that she had no known health issues at the time of her passing. However, her past medical records suggested that she had been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, sleeve gastrectomy and obesity.

Mandisa had been open about her mental health struggles in the past. She told ABC News in 2017 that she had contemplated suicide at one point, as well as experiencing depression and anxiety following a close friend’s death in 2014. However, mental health was not ruled as a factor in her death.

The singer grew to prominence on the US talent show, finishing ninth behind eventual winner Taylor Hicks. Following her time on the show, Mandisa became a well-known gospel singer, winning a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Album for her 2013 album Overcomer.