'The Voice' Season 13 contestant Janice Freeman dies at age 33

Former The Voice contestant Janice Freeman has sadly passed away at age 33.


Janice -- who competed on Season 13 of NBC's The Voice in 2017 -- died on Saturday, March 2.

"We are heartbroken to report that Janice Marie Freeman passed away on March 2, 2019 from an extreme case of pneumonia and a blood clot that traveled to her heart. While at home her husband Dion performed CPR until the ambulance arrived. She passed away at a local hospital shortly after," Janice's loved ones wrote Sunday on her Twitter account.

"A survivor and fighter, and a beautiful force in this world, Janice gained notoriety through her success on NBC's The Voice as a member of Miley Cyrus's team. Her story inspired fans nationwide, having successfully battled cervical cancer and living her life to the fullest while fighting lupus."

The post continued, "Her friends and family greatly appreciate your prayers, call and texts during this time, and ask that they be given space to remember everything that Janice was to them as they process and mourn her loss. She is survived by her husband Dion, daughter Hannah, her mother Janice, brothers and sisters, and many extended family."


Janice reached the Top 11 on The Voice and was praised for her powerful rendition of songs as well as the energy she brought to the stage. She also often expressed love for her daughter, now 12, on the series.

Janice's representative told E! News that Janice began complaining she couldn't breathe properly on Saturday afternoon.

"In a matter of minutes, [she] required CPR from her husband. He called 911, continuing to do CPR until paramedics arrived. While Janice arrived at the hospital alive, continued efforts could not save her," her representative revealed.

"Doctors believe a blood clot had formed in her lungs, which led to her quick demise. Janice Freeman died at 5:30PM PT."

The Voice offered its condolences Sunday on Instagram, writing, "Janice Freeman was an inspiration. Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time."


In addition to having lupus, Janice -- a native of Harrisburg, PA, who was living in Compton, CA, at the time of her The Voice stint -- also reportedly lived with the autoimmune disease Sjogren's syndrome.

She also survived kidney failure as a child and the bacterial infection meningococcal meningitis as a teen, according to E! News.

"She struggled every single day," Janice's husband said in a statement obtained by the website. "She was constantly in pain -- literally, for years -- but was sure she would conquer it all. She just kept on fighting."

Former The Voice coaches Miley Cyrus and Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to Janice on Instagram once word got out of her passing.

Miley shared a photo of a rainbow on her Instagram Story and said, "Thank you @janicefreeman... for everything. This represents you perfectly."


And Jennifer posted a video of Janice belting out "Radioactive" by Imagine Dragons for her Blind Audition on The Voice.

"@janicefreeman the voice of hers we got to hear and the bit of life we got to watch her live was a blessing and inspiration to us all!" Jennifer captioned the video.

"My heart and prayers go out to @janicefreeman daughter and family ! @mileycyrus @nbcthevoice #ripjanicefreeman."

During an October 2017 interview, Janice told Reality TV World she strived to challenge herself in her music career.

"In this world, we live uncomfortable enough, but it's in the uncomfortableness that we grow. You know, you learn about yourself," Janice told Reality TV World.


"You learn what's for you, what's not for you. And I usually don't like to be in a safe world or try to live under stereotypes as well."






About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski