The official cause of death for award-winning contemporary Christian singer Mandisa has been revealed. According to an autopsy report obtained by People magazine, the 47-year-old singer died from obesity-related health issues.
Mandisa, born Mandisa Lynn Hundley, was found dead in her home on April 18. Her sudden passing left many speculating about the cause, especially given her well-documented struggles with depression. The autopsy report clarified that her death was related to Class III obesity and was of natural causes.
Class III obesity, as defined by WebMd, occurs when a person has a body mass index (BMI) of more than 40, or a BMI greater than 35 accompanied by at least one serious obesity-related condition, or being more than 100 pounds over the recommended weight. A normal BMI range is between 18.5 and 24.9.
A native of Citrus Heights, California, Mandisa rose to fame as a contestant on “American Idol” and became known for her powerful and inspiring Christian music. Her popular songs include “Overcomer,” “Stronger,” and “We All Bleed the Same.” Throughout her career, she openly shared her battles with mental illness, seeking to encourage others facing similar struggles.
In a 2022 interview with The Christian Post, Mandisa discussed her journey towards healing through counseling, community, and a deepened relationship with God. “I’m a big fan of counseling, and I think it’s also important that you have people in your life, be it family, friends, people at church, whoever it is, to be able to talk to these things,” she said. She emphasized the importance of speaking openly about mental health to prevent tragedies.
Following her death, some speculated whether her passing might have been self-inflicted. However, police confirmed there was no foul play involved. Mandisa’s father, John Hundley, addressed these speculations during her celebration of life service on April 27 at Brentwood Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee. Hundley explained that his daughter had been struggling to recover from a COVID-19 infection, which had left her significantly weakened.
“She did not harm herself,” Hundley affirmed. “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.”
Reflecting on his final conversations with her, Hundley shared, “We talked so much on Easter morning, but I thought she was going to this conference, and so I had not called her recently but I’ve talked to her a lot. May she rest in peace now.”
Mandisa’s legacy lives on through her music and the message of hope and perseverance she championed. Her life and career continue to inspire countless fans and fellow believers.
Credit: The Christian Post
