Who was former X Factor contestant Freddie Combs and how did he die?

FORMER X Factor star Freddie Combs tragically passed away on September 10.

Combs was 49 years old at the time of his death.

Who was Freddie Combs?

Combs was an American singer, songwriter, and musician who competed in season two of The X Factor music competition series.

In July 1996, Combs married Katrina "Kay" Rife.

Born in Jonesville, North Carolina, the fan-favorite received four yes votes for his rendition of Wind Beneath My Wings, which he dedicated to his wife, Kay.

Before his time on The X Factor, Freddie had a near-death experience due to obesity, as he weighed 920 pounds at that time.

The minister said on the reality show that he loved singing as part of his job but was on disability due to his health issues and no longer had his minister role.

At the time, Combs appeared on X Factor, weighing in at 540 pounds, performing in a wheelchair.

Judges Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid promised to back Combs if he promised to get healthy, lose weight and get out of his wheelchair, which Freddie vowed to do so.

Though he never won the competition, he did manage to lose more than 400lbs from 2009, when he weighed 920lbs.

Combs and Kay starred in two episodes of TLC's special Heavily Ever After, which documented the everyday struggles of overweight couples as they attempt to slim down.

How did he die?

Accoridng to TMZ, Combs' wife revealed he passed away due to kidney failure, stating Covid did not cause his death.

Family and friends surrounded the former X Factor contestant at a Florida hospital when he passed.

Kay shared that she knew that he was about to die the day before his death but was happy to have gotten that last day with him.

"I have so much gratitude to be his wife for 25 years and to be his best friend,” she added.