The Grammy-winning Christian star died at the age of 47 in April
Mandisa died of complications of class III obesity, People reported. Her manner of death was listed as natural.
According to the autopsy report obtained by the outlet, the artist was found dead at her residence by friends and she “was last known alive approximately three weeks” earlier. The Grammy-winning contemporary Christian singer died on April 18 at the age of 47.
The star, whose full name was Mandisa Lynn Hundley, finished ninth on American Idol. Soon after, she carved out a career in contemporary Christian music and in 2007 released her debut album True Beauty. The record hit Number One on the Top Christian Albums chart and garnered acclaim, as well as her first Grammy nomination for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album.
Mandisa released five more albums, and 2013’s Overcomer won Best Contemporary Christian Music Album at the 2014 Grammys, as well as Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year at the GMA Dove Awards.
Following her death, Mandisa was honored on an episode of American Idol with a special performance by former contestants Colton Dixon, Danny Gokey, and Melinda Doolittle in late April. The trio sang Mary Mary’s 2000 hit “Shackles (Praise You)” in remembrance of the singer, who performed the song on the the fifth season of American Idol in 2005.
When remembering Mandisa, Dixon said that the song “sums up her life,” adding: “I think she came in praising, I think she left praising. We’re gonna miss her, but our loss is heaven’s gain.”