Reality TV star Joanne Borgella dead at 32

Reality TV star Joanne Borgella has died aged 32 after a battle with cancer.

The singer/model passed away on Saturday (18Oct14), a year she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer.

A message from her family, posted on her Facebook.com page, reads, "With heavy hearts, we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Joanne... Since her diagnosis over a year ago, Joanne made a choice to also be a fighter and share her journey with the world. Her faith, courage and strength were unshaken throughout every obstacle she encountered. 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."

Borgella shot to fame as a contestant on singing show American Idol in 2008. She went on to appear in other reality TV shows including MADE, Mo'Niques Fat Chance and Curvy Girls.

She also carved out a career as a plus-size model, appearing in advertising campaigns for companies such as Wal-Mart and Kohls department stores.