Michael Knight, a fashion designer and former contestant on the reality TV show Project Runway, passed away on October 17, 2017, at the age of 39. His death shocked and saddened his fans, friends, and family, who remembered him as a talented, kind, and generous person. But what was the cause of his death? And what was his life story? Here are some facts and details about Michael Knight and his untimely demise.
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Early Life and Career
Michael Knight was born on April 11, 1978, in Nuremberg, Germany, to an American father and a Jamaican mother. He spent his childhood in Montgomery, Alabama, where he developed a passion for fashion and design. He graduated from Washingtonville Senior High School in New York in 1996, and then attended Georgia Southern University, where he earned a degree in apparel design and merchandising in 2001.
After college, Knight moved to Atlanta, where he worked as an intern at Wilbourn Exclusives, a fashion company, and then as a stylist in the music industry. He also launched his own label, Mychael Knight, and showcased his collections at various fashion shows and events.
Project Runway and Beyond
Knight’s big break came in 2006, when he auditioned for the third season of Project Runway, a popular competition show for aspiring fashion designers. He impressed the judges and viewers with his creative and sophisticated designs, and made it to the final four. He also won the fan favorite award that season, earning $10,000 and a lot of recognition.
Knight returned for the Project Runway All-Stars in 2013, but was eliminated in the eighth episode. He continued to work on his own projects, such as his fragrance line, MajK, and his unisex underwear line, Kitty & Dick. He also collaborated with celebrities such as Jennifer Hudson, Toni Braxton, and Khloe Kardashian, and appeared on various TV shows and magazines.
Health Issues and Death
Knight had been suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for five years before his death, according to his own Facebook posts. IBS is a chronic condition that affects the digestive system, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and nausea. Knight wrote that he had a “leaky gut”, which means that toxins from the food he ate leaked into his bloodstream, causing autoimmune reactions such as psoriasis, inflamed joints, and respiratory problems. He also said that he had trouble absorbing nutrients from his food, which led to extreme fatigue, exhaustion, and weight loss.
Knight’s official cause of death has not been released yet, but his friend and editor of Obvious Magazine, Jerris Madison, said that he died outside Atlanta, surrounded by his family and friends. Madison also said that Knight was innovative, unapologetic, kind, and giving, and that he made sure that his loved ones did not want for anything.
According to NBC News1, Knight’s death is not likely to be related to IBS, as the condition does not carry mortality or cancer risk. However, there are other intestinal disorders that can be fatal, such as Crohn’s disease, which causes inflammation and malnutrition. Knight did not reveal if he had been diagnosed with any other condition besides IBS.
Legacy and Tributes
Knight’s death sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from his fans, colleagues, and friends. Many of them took to social media to express their condolences and share their memories of him. Some of the celebrities who paid homage to Knight included Andy Cohen, Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks, Sherri Shepherd, and Lil’ Kim.
Knight’s legacy lives on through his work, his style, and his spirit. He was a trailblazer in the fashion industry, who inspired many people with his vision and his personality. He will be remembered as a beloved son, brother, friend, and designer, who left a mark on the world.
