Posted Wednesday, October 18, 2017 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog
Mychael Knight, an Atlanta fashion designer who finished in the final four season three of "Project Runway" in 2006, died Tuesday at a Georgia hospital, according to TMZ.
TMZ noted that he had been suffering from intestinal issues but did not state cause of death. In July, he posted a note on Facebook explaining he had Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which typically isn't a death sentence, according to the Mayo Clinic.
He said his body was not absorbing nutrients properly and his intestines "leaked," meaning toxins were leaking into his bloodstream, which can cause auto-immune issues.
Over the years, he has created a lingerie line, custom t-shirts for Starbucks and a unisex fragrance.
I had been talking to season 14 "Project Runway" runner up Edmond Newton recently and wanted to catch up with Knight. I reached out to him last week off his website but did not hear back.
Newton had auditioned the same year as Knight, who he recalled was the first black male to be on the show, which is now in its 16th season.
"It just tore me up hearing the news," Newton said. "We formed a friendship in the fashion world. I would always attend his events when I could and he came to my shows. He was the first person to call me when he saw I was on 'Project Runway' and welcome me to the family."
Although Knight didn't win his season, he was voted "Fan Favorite."
In 2013, he competed in "Project Runway All Stars" and came in eighth.
About the Author
