Former American Idol contestant Michael Johns has passed away at the age of 35. Michael Johns competed on the 7th season of American Idol, and his elimination came as a shock. A cause of death hasn’t been officially reported, but a rumor of a blood clot that started in his ankle is on the internet.

Following his appearance on American Idol, Michael Johns had songs appear on Hellcats, The Vampire Diaries, and Dallas. Michael Johns was born in Australia, where he pursued a music career (along with a brief stint playing football). Johns was originally signed to Maverick Records in 2002, and formed a band called The Rising. They had minimal airplay and it went nowhere. He was then signed to Columbia, and got dropped.

He released two albums post Idol.

Celebrities pay their respects:

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Michael Johns. Tonight's show is dedicated in your honor .

— Caleb Perry Johnson (@CalebJohnson) August 2, 2014

We lost a true, honest friend. @michael_johns was a great man. Please send prayers to his wife Stacey and their families.

— Ace Young (@IAMACEYOUNG) August 2, 2014

I am so very sad about the passing of Michael Johns… Loved him on Idol and I always heard great things about him on set. RIP 🙏

— Janelle Arthur (@JanelleOArthur) August 2, 2014

Oh my gosh!! I just heard that @michael_johns passed away!!! What!!!?? This is SO SAD!!!

— Chris Daughtry (@CHRIS_Daughtry) August 2, 2014

Just heard the shockingly devastating news that our friend Michael Johns has passed. Our hearts are heavy. Please pray for his loved ones.

— Diana DeGarmo Young (@DianaDeGarmo) August 2, 2014

Praying for the family of @michael_johns and all of my @AmericanIdol family today #gonetosoon #RipMichaelJohns

— Felicia Barton (@feliciabarton) August 2, 2014

I am deeply saddened to hear of Michael Johns passing. Michael was such a bright light.. Always making everyone laug… http://t.co/Yhlw0VGNZa

— Pia Toscano (@PiaToscano) August 2, 2014

My friend @michael_johns passed yesterday. Please keep his family in your prayers. He was a wonderful, kind spirit that brought joy to all.

— Bo Bice (@OfficialBoBice) August 2, 2014

Sad to hear about Michael johns. Big fan when he was on idol. #rip

— Colton Dixon (@coltondixon) August 2, 2014

So sad and shocked by the passing of my friend and fellow Idol alum @Michael_Johns. I will treasure all the good times we had together.

— Scott MacIntyre (@ScottDMacIntyre) August 2, 2014

Yesterday I found out my good friend and fellow idol Michael Johns passed away. He was the nicest, most talented… http://t.co/efUR9sHNlc

— Blake Lewis (@BlakeLewis) August 2, 2014

Sad news about #MichaelJohns … #RIP #Eternalbehismemory

— Constantine Maroulis (@ConstantineM) August 2, 2014

My heart hurts hearing about the passing of my good friend Michael Johns…It’s just not real to me yet. I’m gonna miss u bro. #GodSpeed

— Chris Richardson (@ImChrisRich) August 2, 2014

I’m still at a loss. I lost a great friend and the world lost a true talent. Miss you already brother. @michael_johns

— Brandon Rogers (@brandonrogersLA) August 2, 2014

Oh no. @michael_johns has passed away. Such a wonderful guy and a great voice. Hung with him many times with @officialdfoster. Awful. RIP.

— josh groban (@joshgroban) August 2, 2014

I’m completely overwhelmed by the news of my good friend Michael Johns death right now! RIP my friend. You will truly be missed. WOW!!

— Michael Sarver (@michaelsarver1) August 2, 2014

I can’t express how sad I am right now. Michael Johns, rest in sweet peace, my friend. You will be… http://t.co/PfVhY9hie9

— Melinda Doolittle (@mdoolittle) August 2, 2014

Stunned and saddened to learn about the death of @michael_johns… such a nice guy, I really wish I got to know you better. RIP Michael.

— Alex Trugman (@alexWTrugs) August 2, 2014