'American Idol' finalist Michael Johns dead at 35: Autopsy results inconclusive as 911 tape reveals shocking discovery of lifeless musician
The former 'American Idol' finalist had suffered an ankle sprain before he was found lifeless on his friend's couch in Tustin, Calif. A 911 tape obtained by The News reveals an attempt to revive the seventh season finalist.
An autopsy conducted on former "American Idol" finalist Michael Johns was inconclusive, so further testing is needed, a southern California coroner spokesman told the Daily News Tuesday.
"We conducted the autopsy, and the pathologist was not comfortable issuing a cause of death until toxicology tests are done," Lt. Jeff Hallock with the Orange County Sheriff's Department and Coroner said.
"There's no criminal investigation," Lt. Hallock said, adding that the screening for drugs and alcohol could take eight to twelve weeks.
Johns, 35, was found dead on a friend's couch in Tustin, Calif., around noon on Friday, authorities said.
The friend quickly called 911 and said he found the contestant from the seventh season from "American Idol" unresponsive upon returning home after a two-hour absence.
He said Johns was cold to the touch and was showing early signs of rigor mortis because it was difficult to get him flat on the floor for chest compressions, the 911 recording obtained by The News revealed.
Celebrity website TMZ.com was first to report the death and said the musician had sprained his ankle prior to his death and went to the doctor with swelling up to his knee on Thursday.
An unidentified police source later told TMZ that heavy alcohol consumption might have been a factor.
It's not clear if Johns was given pain medication for his ankle.
"Idol" producers released a statement calling Johns "an incredible talent."
"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," the statement continued. "Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time."
Originally from Perth, Australia, Johns is survived by his Los Angeles-based wife Stacey Vuduris.
The top six male finalists of the seventh season of 'American Idol': David Hernandez (from left), Jason Castro, David Archuleta, David Cook, Michael Johns and Chikezie.
"There are no words, only the thought of how lucky we were to have had the chance to meet such a spirit and talent," Vuduris' friend Ceci Lara wrote in a Facebook post. "The memories I have of you both are full of smiles."
An unidentified police source later told TMZ that heavy alcohol consumption might have been a factor.
It's not clear if Johns was given pain medication for his ankle.
"Idol" producers released a statement calling Johns "an incredible talent."
"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," the statement continued. "Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time."
Originally from Perth, Australia, Johns is survived by his Los Angeles-based wife Stacey Vuduris.
The top six male finalists of the seventh season of 'American Idol': David Hernandez (from left), Jason Castro, David Archuleta, David Cook, Michael Johns and Chikezie."There are no words, only the thought of how lucky we were to have had the chance to meet such a spirit and talent," Vuduris' friend Ceci Lara wrote in a Facebook post. "The memories I have of you both are full of smiles."
