American Idol contestant Michael Johns died Friday at 35 years old.
The Australian singer reportedly suffered from a fatal blood clot in his ankle, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
As his family mourns the tragic loss, they expressed in a statement their wish to “grieve privately in this difficult time,” as reported by USA Today. They said they were “devastated by the passing of [their] beloved Michael, a wonderful husband, son, brother, uncle and friend.”
The American Idol Season 7 star released an album in 2009 called Hold Back My Heart after his time on the show in 2008.
Prior to his passion for music, Johns was a competitive tennis player who came to the United States on a college scholarship. But, his love for singing prevailed, and his success on the Fox hit show provided him with the publicity he needed to get his music out there.
The American Idol crew posted a statement on their Facebook page conveying their condolences to Johns’ friends and family. “He was part of our AMERICAN IDOL family and he will be truly missed.”
Image courtesy of Scott Kirkland/INFphoto.com