SAD NEWS: 'Project Runway' Designer Mychael Knight Has Died After Battling Illness

In surprising and sad news, designer Mychael Knight has passed away at the age of 39.  We have the full story inside.

Mychael Knight, who rose to fame during his season 3 stint on "Project Runway," passed away after battling an ongoing illness.

The news has been confirmed by Obvious Magazine which is run by his close friend Jerris Madison. 

 

Sad news. @projectrunway Alum and American Fashion Designer, @mychaelknight has passed away. Our sincere condolences to his Family & Friends. The Knight Family has asked OBVIOUS Magazine to handle any media inquiries during their grievance. Please email: mychaelknight@obviousmag.com. Click the link in our bio. #RIP #MychaelKnight

A post shared by OBVIOUS Magazine (@obviousmag) on Oct 17, 2017 at 11:01am PDT

The news comes on the heels of his friends in media calling for prayers.

Mychael shared pics of himself over the spring and summer, but postings became fewer in recent weeks. He spoke out about his illness -- severe IBS that took a toll on his immune system -- this past July:

He was busy styling Sherri Shepherd last year. He also went through with his SS18 show last month, and it showcased his amazing talent that got him noticed years ago:

His best friend, Satchel Jester, has also spoken out with a heartfelt message:

 

Unconventional superheroes. Perfectly in-sync misfits. Frazzled yin and yang. Total badasses. Indestructible forces. Power players. Dynamic duo. All these could have easily been labels for us. In fact, some were. I’ve never known a friend like you, and it’s likely that I never will again. Nothing mattered but the mountains we climbed and the doors we kicked down. Nothing but knowing that it would take Armageddon to stop us from getting to the top. You were part of introducing a culture and you let me ride with you. You shared your stage and let me handle your talent in its most delicate phases. You let me frame your magic. You had my back. I’ll love you forever for that. Forever. You give the words “BEST FRIEND” and “BROTHER” meaning in ways I never thought I’d know. Thank you. Now sleep tight. You deserve it. I’ve got it from here. What’s coming is for you! Well done my friend.

A post shared by Satchel B. Jester (@scenebysatchel) on Oct 17, 2017 at 12:04pm PDT

Mychael rose to fame during and after his "Project Runway" appearance, wining season three's Fan Favorite award and placed fourth in the overall competition.  We covered him and his shows often here on TheYBF.com and we're incredibly saddened by this news.

R.I.P. Mychael.  Our sincere condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans.

Photos: Facebook