Joanne Borgella, 32-year-old and "American Idol" alum has died on Oct.18, 2014. The news of her death was announced by her family through a social media statement.

Joanne Borgella was an American singer and model. She was under contract with Wilhelmina Models in New York City, Miami and Los Angeles. She was the first winner of Mo'Nique's Fat Chance competition, a contest for plus-size models, as "Miss F.A.T." in 2005. In 2008, Borgella became one of the top 24 contestants on the seventh season of the reality singing contest, American Idol. This 2014, she died after a year-long battle with a rare form of endometrial cancer.

CNN reported the news of Joanne Borgella's death was announced by her family on her Facebook page. She was a former "American Idol" contestant who died this 2014.

"With heavy hearts, we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Joanne," her family said through a Facebook statement. "Although our family is suffering with this great loss, we find comfort in the closeness Joanne shared with the Lord. We know her spirit still shines and will continue to live on in heaven."

Before Joanne Borgella's death, the singer-model went to model professionally after being eliminated in "American Idol" season seven. She modeled for brands such as Ashley Stewart, Macy's and Nordstrom. She also created her own jewelry and plus-size clothing line. Borgella also appeared on "Curvy Girls," which airs on English-language Latino network NUVOtv. This 2014, her year-long battle with cancer ended.

"All of us at NUVOtv are deeply saddened at the news of Joanne Borgella's passing," Dianne Castro, a NUVOtv spokesperson said. "We are thankful to have known such a courageous woman with a beautiful voice who brought passion, faith and heart to everything she did. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this very difficult time."

Despite a busy career, Joanne Borgella had to fight a frightening diagnosis that in the long run could not be stopped. Last year, she shared a video with her fans to say she was diagnosed with cancer which had spread to her chest. Since then, Borgella chronicled her treatment on her Facebook page. And the last time the "American Idol" alum updated her social media pages was in September 2014, when she was going to have two more radiation procedures.

"We are heading back to radiation for 2 procedures!!! God is with us!! I have lots to fill you in on," Borgella wrote to her followers and fans. "The presence of The Lord is here...Prayers Up!! I love you guys #GodsGotThis #ThePowerofPrayer #Faith #IWillbeCancerFree2014 #JoanneBorgella"

According to E! News, those who hopes to express their condolences, the family of Joanne Borgella asks to leave a message on her Facebook fan page which has over 30,000 likes.

After the news of Joanne Borgella's death spread this 2014, fans flooded the "American Idol" alum's page with tribute. She was considered by her fans as a role model and an inspiration for plus-size women and for would-be artists.