Michael Johns was 'drinking heavily' before he died, cops say

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Singer's Perth-based family have paid tribute to 'their beloved Michael'
The singer was born and raised in Perth before moving to the US at age 18
US move was inspired by meeting You Am I's lead singer at Big Day Out
Joined Madonna's record company Maverick Records in 2004
Was lead singer of bands Film and The Rising before his solo success
Competed in the seventh season of American Idol in 2008

By Lucy Thackray and George Stark and Helen Pow

Published: 20:03 EST, 4 August 2014 | Updated: 04:22 EST, 5 August 2014

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A tragic 911 call made by the friend who found Michael Johns' cold, motionless body Friday has been released.

TMZ obtained the recording in which the pal says he fears Michael is dead because he is cold to the touch and rigor mortis seems to have set in, suggesting he in fact passed more than an hour earlier.

He also can be heard desperately giving the star CPR. He tells the dispatcher that he had seen Johns two hours prior and he seemed OK but when he returned the 35-year-old wasn't breathing.

The dramatic call comes after it was reported that Johns had been drinking heavily at some point before he died.

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Drinking? Michael Johns, pictured in 2013, had been drinking heavily at some point before he died, TMZ reports

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Michael Johns 911 Call -- Emotional Cry for Help - Watch More Celebrity Videos or Subscribe

TMZ cites law enforcement sources as saying police were told Johns had been drinking excessively though it wasn't clear how close to his death the alleged boozing took place.

On Monday, the former American Idol contestant's autopsy came back inconclusive pending toxicology results.

The Australian-born singer died Friday at a friend's home in Orange County. Johns had sprained his ankle and it swelled to his knee. He sought medical attention the day before he died though it's not known whether he was taking pain relief for the injury, which may have reacted badly to the alcohol.

Johns was reportedly in full cardiac arrest when paramedics arrived on the scene and could not be revived.

On Monday, the Orange County Coroner's Office deferred the cause of death pending toxicology reports.

The updates in the mysterious death come after Johns' family paid tribute to the American Idol star who died so suddenly.

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The 35-year-old, who was born and brought up in Australia, had twisted his ankle and had been in agony before he was found dead on a friend's couch.

His family, who live in Perth, spoke of their devastation but said that they had been supported by the love of his fans around the world.

In a statement, they said, '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.'

Michael Johns has passed away at the age of 35. Johns is pictured (middle) in Sydney, Australia after his successful stint on American Idol in 2008, with his wife Stacey Vuduris (left)

Proud Aussie: The late Michael Johns posted an image supporting the Socceroos during the World Cup in June.

Mr Johns, who was born Michael John Lee, was very close with his mother Janet and stepfather John, who was the father figure in Mr Johns' life.

Janet and John Burke both still live in Perth but visited their son frequently, including a surprise trip to Michael's home last year.

At the time, Michael expressed his delight that his mother and stepfather had 'turned up unannounced on his doorstep'.

In a 2008 interview Johns spoke affectionately about his musical upbringing in Australia with his mother, stepfather and siblings, Cindy and Stephen.

'Everyone in my family is musical. My mum has a very pretty Doris Day-type voice,' he said.

'My brother and sister both play piano and sing. My stepfather is a great singer too. I was always around music growing up.'

Stepbrother Alan Burke took to social media to pay tribute to Mr Johns on Sunday.

'Michael, our brother. I can't believe that you are gone,' he wrote on Facebook.

'I am still in shock and feel totally gutted right now. I can't believe we won't ever hear that golden voice of yours again. You and I were bonded with music and I cherished that and I'm going to miss that. RIP my brother.'

Alan Burke paid tribute to his stepbrother Mr Johns on Sunday

Tragic: American Idol contestant Michael Johns - seen here in 2012 - has died at 35... after suffering a 'blood clot in his ankle'

Mr Johns attended co-ed college Newman College in Churchlands, Perth.

Whilst in Perth, he sang in bands and was active in the musical theatre community, performing in performances including Pinocchio and Anything Goes at Perth's Regal Theatre and His Majesty's Theatre.

Mr Johns left Australia at the age of 18 to pursue music at the advice of his idol, You Am I frontman, Tim Rogers.

In a 2004 interview, Mr Johns thanked an encounter with the singer at the Australian music festival Big Day Out for inspiring his move to the United States.

'I snuck backstage and approached You Am I lead singer, Tim Rogers for advice. He told me if I wanted to make something happen, I had to go to the States.'

Michael leaves behind his Texan wife, Stacy Vuduris, whom he met in 2003 and married in 2007.

The singer competed in the seventh season of American Idol in 2008. During the show his supporters called themselves 'The Aussie Posse'.

Australian singer Michael Johns has passed away at the age of 35 after a blood clot, caused by a foot injury.

Only three months ago Michael Johns posted about feeling homesick for Australia and his favourite Perth beach

The tennis-mad singer posted a picture with Australian tennis player, Pat Cash on Instagram four months ago

In this comical post on Instagram, the true blue Aussie expat celebrated Vegemite.

Michael Johns had achieved great success in the US after his stint on American Idol in 2008. His fans called themselves the 'Aussie Posse'

His social media accounts revealed him to be the quintessential Aussie bloke - reminiscing about Perth beaches, cheering for the Socceroos, declaring his love for Vegemite and participating in ANZAC Day tribute concerts with his Aussie mates, band 'The Budgie Smugglers'.

According to TMZ, Michael was in a 'great amount of pain' after injuring his ankle.

He apparently visited a doctor on Thursday after the 'swelling and bruising had made their way up his leg.'

The singer allegedly was cleared to go home, but was found dead the following afternoon on his friend's couch. He reportedly died in his sleep.

He is the first American Idol finalist to have died and had planned to release new album later this year called Reckless.

During his time on the show, Michael got the chance to rehearse with legendary singer Dolly Parton.

The administer of his website, tweeted on Saturday: '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'.

Meeting an Idol: Michael got the opportunity to rehears with the legendary Dolly Parton on the 2008 talent show

Early days: Michael Johns is seen here auditioning for American Idol season 7 at Qualcomm Stadium on July 30, 2007 in San Diego, California

His family also released a 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.'

American Idol, Fox and two of the series' producers, FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, said they were 'deeply saddened by the news of his passing,' calling him an 'incredible talent'.

'He was a part of our American Idol family and he will be truly missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time,' they said in a statement.

Former American Idol judge Simon Cowell paid tribute to the singer in a tweet on Saturday, calling him a 'truly great guy'.

Fellow American Idol contestant Melinda Doolittle paid tribute to Michael, posting on Instagram: 'I can't express how sad I am right now. Michael Johns, rest in sweet peace, my friend. You will be greatly missed.'

'A truly great guy': Former American Idol judge Simon Cowell paid tribute to Johns on Twitter on Saturday

Heartbreaking: Michael Johns and his wife Stacey Vuduris are seen attending Muhammad Ali's Celebrity Fight Night XIX at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in March last year

Real Housewife Yolanda Foster - whose husband David Foster is a music producer - also took to Twitter to say: 'R.I.P our beautiful friend @michael_johns You will live in our hearts forever @AmericanIdol'

After his success in the show, the singer took part in the American Idols LIVE! Tour in 2008, before releasing his own material.

He released his original song Another Christmas in December that year, and in 2009 he released his debut album Hold Back My Heart, which went on to sell 20,000 copies.