TORONTO — Michael Johns, a Top 10 finalist on Season 7 of American Idol, died Friday. He was 35.
“It is with a heavy heart and inconsolable sadness that we confirm the passing of our friend Michael Johns,” read a tweet from the administrator of his fan site.
According to several reports, Johns suffered an ankle injury that caused a blood clot but a cause of death has not yet been determined.
Born Michael Lee in Australia, Johns came to the U.S. on a tennis scholarship in 1997 and briefly studied drama before pursuing a music career. He was signed to Maverick Records in 2002 but later dropped from the label.
He auditioned for American Idol in 2007 and finished eighth.
After he was voted off the show, he worked on a documentary soundtrack and released a charity single and an EP.
Johns also performed with Canadian producer David Foster.
Foster’s wife, TV reality star Yolanda Foster, tweeted: “R.I.P our beautiful friend @michael_johns You will live in our hearts forever.”
Johns leaves behind his wife of seven years, Stacey Vuduris.
BELOW: Watch Michael Johns perform “Man In Motion” with David Foster.
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