Mandisa's Cause of Death Determined Nearly 2 Months After 'American Idol' Alum Was Found Dead at 47

Mandisa's cause of death has been revealed nearly two months after her passing.

The Grammy-winning singer was found dead at her Franklin, Tenn., home on April 18 at the age of 47. The authorities launched an investigation into the saddening event while the local medical examiner's office conducted the autopsy.

The test was completed a few days after Mandisa's death, but the cause of death remained pending at the time as a spokesperson for the Davidson County Medical Examiner's Office estimated that the confirmation would be made between eight to 12 weeks after the autopsy completion.

In the new report obtained by People, the authorities formally determined that the American Idol alum died due to complications of class III obesity.

According to the Obesity Medicine Association, class III obesity is a serious health condition that is diagnosed by "having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 kg/m², a BMI of greater than 35 kg/m² with at least one serious Obesity-related condition, or being more than 100 pounds over ideal body weight (IBW)."

Class III obesity is the highest level, followed by class II, class I and overweight. Prolonged obesity, according to the association, can lead to serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heartburn, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, dementia, heart disease and high cholesterol, to name a few.

It was not disclosed what kind of complications Mandisa experienced.

The singer's manner of death was listed as natural.

Mandisa's friends revealed to news outlets that she was last known alive three weeks before she was found dead in April. Her official Facebook page posted an update to confirm her passing.

"We ask for your prayers for her family and close knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time," part of the post read. "Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life's challenges all around the world. She wrote this song for a dear friend who had passed in 2017.

Previously, Mandisa's father, David Pierce, sent a statement to TMZ after the news outlet reported that the singer had no known health issues at the time of her death.

"Mandisa struggled, and she was vulnerable enough to share that with us, which helped us talk about our own struggles," said the patriarch. "Mandisa's struggles are over. She is with the God she sang about now. While we are saddened, Mandisa is home. We're praying for Mandisa's family and friends and ask you to join us."

Tags

Mandisa, American Idol