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Cause of death revealed for Christian singer Mandisa

The Grammy winner and former "American Idol" contestant was found dead in her home on April 18. She was 47.

WASHINGTON — Christian singer Mandisa's cause of death has been confirmed by a medical examiner, according to multiple media reports. 

Mandisa Lynn Hundley, best known by her stage name Mandisa, was a celebrated Christian musician who used her fame as a contestant on "American Idol" to launch her career. She was found dead at her home in Franklin, Tennessee, in April. 

According to PEOPLE, an autopsy report stated Mandisa died from complications of class III obesity. 

Medical examiner Dr. Feng Li also confirmed the cause of death to The Tennessean and told the outlet her manner of death was listed as natural. 

The Cleveland Clinic describes class III obesity as "a complex chronic disease in which a person has a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher and is experiencing obesity-related health conditions." 

PEOPLE said that the autopsy report noted the Grammy winner "was last known alive approximately three weeks" before she was found dead at her house on April 18.

Police previously said after she was found that they did not suspect any foul play in her death. 

Mandisa became a fan favorite for her public kindness on "American Idol," responding with forgiveness to judge Simon Cowell's comments about her weight during the early rounds of the competition. 

Credit: AP
Mandisa accepts the award for pop/contemporary album of the year at the Dove Awards, Oct. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn.(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)

"What I want to say to you is that, yes, you hurt me and I cried and it was painful, it really was. But I want you to know that I've forgiven you and that you don't need someone to apologize in order to forgive somebody," she told Cowell later in the season.

She finished ninth in the season and went on to launch a career in Christian music. Her debut album, "True Beauty," was released in 2007. Mandisa's 2013 album, "Overcomer," won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. Her last album, "Out of the Dark," was released in 2017.

The news of her death was first reported by Christian rock radio station K-Love, where Mandisa's music was often a staple. It was later confirmed on Mandisa's official Facebook page. 

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