Michael Johns, a finalist on American Idol season seven, died on Aug. 1, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed via multiple sources. The cause of death is believed to be a blood clot in his ankle.
The singer competed on the Fox music show in 2008 and came in eighth place. He followed with a full-length album, 2009’s Hold Back My Heart, that included single “Heart on My Sleeve.”
“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 this difficult time,” read a statement posted on the show’s official Facebook page.
As much as he loved music, Johns was an avid tennis player who dreamed of being a Wimbledon champion. At 15, he gave that idea up because, “that’s when music found me and I have not looked back.”
For more on this story, visit Shirley Halperin, Fred Bronson (The Hollywood Reporter).
