American Idol star Mandisa’s cause of death revealed

The cause of death for American Idol star Mandisa has been detailed in an autopsy report.

The former American Idol star and Grammy Award-winning recording artist was found deceased in her home on 18 April this year.

The statement announcing Mandisa's death read: "We ask for your prayers for her family and close knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time.

"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. Her own words say it best.

"I'm already home / You've got to lay it down / 'cause Jesus holds me now— / And I am not alone."

Mandisa died earlier this year. (Paras Griffin/Getty Images for AFFIRM Films A Sony Company)

Tributes poured in for Mandisa following the news, with her fans describing her as 'a beautiful and talented soul'.

"So very sorry to hear this," one person wrote. "Her music encouraged me through some difficult moments in my life. Her voice and music will be dearly missed."

At the time, an official cause of death was not detailed, but an autopsy report obtained by PEOPLE has shed some light.

The outlet reports that the American Idol star died of complications of class III obesity at age 47.

Her manner of death has also been listed as natural.

Class III obesity, formerly known as morbid obesity, 'is 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,' according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Mandisa spoke openly about her mental health struggles during her life, admitting she was 'battling shame' as she turned to food for comfort.

The American Idol star died of complications of class III obesity. (Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for KLOVE)

Speaking to PEOPLE in 2017, the American Idol alum said: "I didn’t leave the house, for the most part. When I got up, I went downstairs, sat in the recliner, and I watched television nonstop.

"The only time I left was when I got tired of pizza delivery and decided to get McDonald’s.”

Mandisa first rose to fame following her audition for the fifth season of American Idol, as she earned high praise from the show's judges.

During her time on the show in 2006, the singer performed tracks including Chaka Khan's 'I'm Every Woman' and Stevie Wonder's 'Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing'.

In 2007, Mandisa released her debut album, True Beauty, and won a Grammy six years later.

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