Runner-up on “American Idol” Willie Spence has passed away.
The 23-year-old singer, who came in second place to Chayce Beckham in the reality show’s 19th season last year, went tragically on Tuesday after being involved in an automobile accident in Nashville, Tennessee (11.10.22).
Willie’s Jeep Cherokee went off the road and collided with the rear of a tractor trailer, according to a preliminary investigation report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Marion County Medical Examiner that NBC News was able to access.
The singer was wearing a seatbelt when he was killed, and his cause of death was given as “multi-system trauma related to motor vehicle collision.”
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is conducting an investigation.
The singer was honoured on the “American Idol” Instagram page.
They penned: “We are heartbroken by the loss of Willie Spence, a cherished member of our American Idol family.
“He was an exceptional talent who brought light to any space he visited and will be much missed. We offer our sympathies to his family.”
Luke Bryan, one of the judges when Willie participated, also recalled Willie’s appearance on the programme.
“Willie truly did light up every place he stepped into,” he said on his Instagram Story “When he began singing, the atmosphere suddenly changed. Truly, he will be missed.”
Willie and Katharine McPhee performed a duet of “The Prayer” by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli on the programme, and Katharine McPhee called working with the young star a “delight.”
On her own Instagrqam Story, she wrote: “Tonight, I received some terrible news.
God rest your soul, Willie. It was a pleasure to sing with you and get to know you. Sweet @williespenceofficial died in a vehicle accident at the age of 23. Life is so unfair, and nothing is ever promised.
“Sweet Willie… you deserved the stars and the moon. I’m so sad for the world to have been deprived of more precious time with you. You were an incredible Angel. I know you are up there now with the rest of the angels. God rest your soul,” she wrote on one of his pinned Instagram images.
