14 DAY TRIAL // Michael Johns, the singer who finished 8th on season 7 of the hit singing competition American Idol in 2008, has died. He passed away in his sleep from a blood clot in his ankle. Michael was only 35 years old.
The news has been confirmed by the administrators of Michael’s official Twitter and his official website. Both are now offline, but People magazine has the statements in full.
“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 pass on their prayers,” reads the message on Twitter.
“Our family is devastated by the passing of our beloved Michael, a wonderful husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. We appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from all corners of the globe. Please keep Michael in your thoughts and respect our need to grieve privately in this difficult time,” the family says in a statement on the official webpage.
FOX and Idol producers Fremantle Media North America and 19 Entertainment have also issued a statement on Michael’s death, saying he would always be a part of the Idol family, a great singer and human being, one whose memory will be cherished forever.
TMZ reports that the blood clot occurred after Michael twisted his ankle last week. He was in a great deal of pain so, with his ankle swollen and bruised, he went to the hospital for have someone check it.
Even though the bruising and the swelling had gone up his leg, the doctors who saw the singer decreed that there was nothing wrong with it, so they sent him home. That same night, Michael died in his sleep, all alone.
Friends discovered his body the next day, when they came to check up on him and see how he was feeling after the injury on the ankle.
Michael Johns recorded a lot of music for soundtracks after his exit from American Idol and also solo music. Last time he posted an update on his career on social media, he was saying how thrilled he was to be back in the studio working on a new song.
However, Johns will also be remembered for how involved he became in charity work after his brush with fame. Nigel Lythgoe, the former producer executive on American Idol, worked side by side with him, and he says he’s still to recover from the shock of hearing such an amazing man has passed away.
Michael Johns leaves behind a wife, Stacey Vuduris, whom he married in 2006.
