“American Idol” runner-up Willie Spence died from injuries sustained in a car crash on Tuesday, Page Six reported. He was 23.
Spence was the runner-up on season 19 of ABC’s music competition reality series.
The Douglas, Georgia native was involved in a single car crash in Tennessee on October 11. He was not wearing a seat belt.
“We have no further details at this time,” wrote Douglas Now. “We extend our condolences to Willie’s family, friends, and fans. He was an extraordinary talent and a ray of light to millions across the world. He will be missed.”
American Idol season 5 runner-up Katharine McPhee shared the sad news on her Instagram Story on Tuesday. “I received very tragic news tonight,” McPhee, 38, wrote. “Sweet @williespenceofficial passed away in a car accident. Only 23 years old.”
She shared a video of herself with Spence bonding over the memories of lost loved ones.
“One of the things I think is really special about you and that I love about singers is their ability to make you feel like you’re telling a story,” she told Spence in the video.
The pair performed a duet of “The Prayer,” which was written by McPhee’s husband, David Foster. “Rest in heaven Willie,” she wrote in the caption.
Country music singer Caleb Kennedy, another season 19 finalist, wrote on Instagram, “Your voice will forever be in my heart. I’m gonna miss you so much big guy can’t wait to hear that voice when I make it up there!!”
Kennedy was arrested in May and charged with allegedly hitting and killing a man with his pickup truck while high on drugs. He was released on $50,000 bond and is awaiting trial.
