Michael Johns, the Australian blue-eyed soul crooner of American Idol Season 7, has died at age 35. Johns is the first Idol top 10 finalist to pass away in the show’s 13-season history.
While the singer’s family has not yet issued an official cause-of-death statement, sources have told The Hollywood Reporter it was a blood clot in his ankle. A close friend of the Idol, Torrey Gimbill, told E! News that Johns was complaining about pains in his legs the day before his death. “My mom took him into the emergency room [Thursday],” said Gimbill. “He had complained about his leg hurting him; he thought it might be a blood clot because it had bruised pretty badly and he never hurt his leg.”
“It is with a heavy heart and inconsolable sadness that we confirm the passing of our friend Michael Johns. No other details will b avail at this time. Please respect the privacy of Mike’s family and friends as we know u will. Members and admin of @mjohnsonline pass on their prayers,” the administrator for Johns’s website tweeted Saturday, confirming the tragic news.
American Idol issued a statement Saturday afternoon, saying: “Michael Johns was an incredible talent and we are deeply saddened by the news of his passing. He was a part of our American Idol family and he will be truly missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends during
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