Grammy-Winning Singer Passed from Complications of Class III Obesity
The heartbreaking mystery surrounding the sudden passing of Mandisa, the beloved American Idol alum and Grammy-winning gospel artist, has been brought to light. According to an autopsy report obtained by PEOPLE, the 47-year-old singer died from complications related to class III obesity. Her manner of death was listed as natural.
Mandisa’s body was discovered at her home on April 18, though the report noted she had not been seen alive for nearly three weeks. Her unexpected passing sent shockwaves through the music world and among her devoted fans.
Understanding Class III Obesity
As defined by the Cleveland Clinic, class III obesity involves a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more—or 35 and above when accompanied by serious health conditions. It is a serious medical condition that increases the risk of multiple life-threatening complications.
A Journey Marked by Pain, Faith, and Transparency
Mandisa’s passing sheds new light on the battles she faced in her final years—struggles she never hid. In an April 19 statement, her team initially shared that the cause of death was unknown and asked for continued prayers for her family and loved ones.
Behind the accolades and uplifting music was a woman who endured profound grief. Mandisa had spoken candidly about her emotional struggles following the 2014 death of her best friend and backup singer, Kisha Mitchell, who died from breast cancer while pregnant.
“That loss shook the foundations underneath me,” Mandisa told PEOPLE in 2017. “I sank into a deep pit of depression.”
Depression and Isolation Took a Heavy Toll
Her grief spiraled into deep isolation. Mandisa withdrew from the public eye, gained over 200 pounds, and struggled with dark thoughts. “I didn’t leave the house,” she confessed. “I’d sit in my recliner and watch TV all day. I only left when I got tired of pizza delivery and drove to McDonald’s.”
At her lowest, she even contemplated ending her life. “As a Christian, I believed if I took my life, I’d be in heaven with Jesus, free from pain.”
A Lifesaving Act of Love
But in 2016, a simple trip to the movies became a pivotal moment. Returning to her car, she found it plastered with heartfelt sticky notes: “We love you,” “We miss you,” “Come back to us.”
Her friends had been waiting. They gently but firmly staged an intervention, encouraging her to seek help. “That moment saved my life,” Mandisa later said. “Without it, I might not be here.”
Healing Through Music and Memoir
With the support of her community and renewed spiritual strength, Mandisa began to heal. “One healthy choice after another” became her mantra. She returned to music with her powerful 2017 album Out of the Dark, a bold and honest look at her personal battles.
She further detailed her journey in her 2022 memoir, Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God’s Joy, offering encouragement to anyone facing similar struggles. “When you’re in it, you feel alone,” she wrote. “But you’re never the only one.”
From Idol Star to Christian Music Icon
Born in Citrus Heights, California, Mandisa pursued music from an early age, later rising to fame on American Idol Season 5—sharing the stage with stars like Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler, and Katharine McPhee.
Her 2007 debut album True Beauty topped Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart, making her the first female artist to debut at No. 1. Over her career, she earned five Grammy nominations and won in 2014 for her anthem of resilience, Overcomer.
A Voice That Still Shines
Mandisa’s story is one of talent, faith, struggle, and incredible honesty. She inspired millions not just through her music, but through her willingness to speak openly about mental health, loss, and redemption.
Though she is no longer with us, Mandisa’s voice continues to echo with hope, reminding us all that light can shine even in the darkest places.