Mandisa’s Dad Says He Doesn't Believe Self-Harm Led to Her Sudden Death
Nearly two weeks ago, Mandisa’s life came to a sudden end. While her death remains a mystery, her father has a theory.
The "American Idol" alum was found in her home unresponsive on April 18. She was later pronounced dead, while authorities report there was no indication her death was the result of suspicious or criminal activity. Still, as more questions remain unsolved, her father, John Hundley, doesn't believe she harmed herself intentionally leading up to her passing, as cited by the Christian Post.
While speaking at her funeral on April 27 at Brentwood Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, Hundley shared details on how she was found in her home the day she died.
“But here's what I think happened,” he explained during the service. “Mandisa fell down in her bedroom. They found her on the floor. If you look from the rear of her bed, she was laying on the left side. It’s clear that's where she was laying, there was a couple of big rugs there and some clothes. On the right side of the bed, front, was this nightstand. I found her phone on the right side of the bed. There was no way for Mandisa to get around the bed, go out there and get a phone to call for help."
“She did not harm herself,” he asserted. “As she said, Mandisa loved the Lord and the Lord loved Mandisa."
While addressing the congregation, Hundley announced that Mandisa’s official cause of death is expected to be released in a couple of weeks.
Additionally, before Mandisa died, he revealed she told him she had gotten COVID-19.
"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," he said. "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 auditioned for "American Idol" in 2005, catching the attention of judges and viewers alike with her stunning voice and magnetic personality.
Throughout her time on "American Idol," Mandisa captivated audiences with her soulful renditions of various songs, earning praise from the judges and garnering a devoted fan base. Although she ultimately finished in the top nine, Mandisa's time on the show served as a springboard for her burgeoning music career.
In 2007, she released her debut album, "True Beauty," which debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart and received critical acclaim for its uplifting messages and powerful vocal performances.