The seventh season contestant is the first Idol finalist to pass away.
Michael Johns made it as far as the Top 8 during American Idol's seventh season and went on to release the album Hold Back My Heart. He died on Aug. 1 at the age of 35.
Michael is the first Idol finalist to die in the show's 13-season history, according to People. His website's administrator confirmed Michael's passing on Twitter.
Michael dropped his tennis career to pursue his music dream. (Brian To/WENN)
"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," @SedzOz tweeted.
Michael's family released its own statement:
"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 Australian singer-songwriter died of a blood clot in his ankle, multiple sources told The Hollywood Reporter. Michael last tweeted on July 10 that he was "headed to the studio to work on a new song called Reckless". He released an EP Sex & Love in 2012.
After competing on Idol in 2008, the eighth-place finisher released his first album Hold Back My Heart in 2009. He first arrived in the United States from Australia in 1997 on a tennis scholarship, but moved to Atlanta to pursue a music career nine months after his arrival, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Michael's last social media correspondence came on July 10 when he shared an Instagram photo of a tennis court in Los Angeles and captioned it "The greatest court in Los Angeles... Look at that view."
