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According to numerous sources, Willie Spence, a singer who finished second on American Idol in 2021, passed away in a car accident in Tennessee on Tuesday. He was 23.
A family insider informed TMZ that Spence crashed into a semi-truck stopped on the side of the road while returning home to Atlanta from Tennessee.
Local news source DouglasNow broke the news first. The insider claimed that earlier on Tuesday, Spence had his car’s flat tire patched.
Spence’s Jeep Cherokee collided with the truck’s back in Jasper at 4 p.m., according to a preliminary accident report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol that local Fox affiliate WFXL received. He was rushed to the hospital, where he later passed away from his wounds.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office was unable to provide any additional information, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
“Willie Spence, a beloved member of the American Idol family, passed away, and we are heartbroken about it,” American Idol said in a statement that was tweeted out. “He will be sorely missed for being a great talent who brought light to each space he entered. We offer his loved ones our sympathies.”
The musician was advertising a performance he was scheduled to give on November 12 at the Trinity Baptist Church in London when he posted a video of himself singing in the car earlier on Tuesday.
Spence was the runner-up on season 19 of American Idol, finishing behind the victor Chayce Beckham. Spence immediately impressed the judges when he performed “Diamonds” by Rihanna for his audition.
During his audition, he said to Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie, “I do this for me, but not only for me.” “For my family, I do this. They have always been there for me and have always supported me.”
Richie praised the Douglas, Georgia native as “unbelievable” and an “undeniable star,” while Bryan referred to him as a “unique, special human being.”
Perry stated that Spence’s voice “stops people in their tracks” and inquired about the musician’s goals for the next five years.
He said to her, “I just want to share my gift and have my voice heard around the world. “I want to be where I am in five years, hopefully earning a Grammy. Even though it will require a lot of work, I believe I can succeed.”
Photo Credits – ERIC MCCANDLESS VIA GETTY
Later on, in the season, Spence collaborated with Katharine McPhee, an Idol alum, to perform “The Prayer” by Andrea Bocelli and Céline Dion.
Richie referred to Spence as “Willie Pavarotti,” and Bryan said, “You do no wrong in my eyes,” after hearing the performance.
“Man, I am in love with you,” the country star said. “Part of being a celebrity is making people fall in love with you.” “And I love the way you conduct yourself on stage, your singing style, and the source of your inspiration. It’s incredible.”
Upon learning of Spence’s passing, McPhee posted a video of their American Idol performance on her Instagram Story as a tribute.
McPhee stated, “I just learned some extremely bad news,” in his post. “Sweet @williespenceofficial died in a car accident. 24 years old only. Nothing is ever promised in life, which is very unfair. Willie, may God rest your soul. Knowing you and singing with you was a pleasure.”
She later left a remark on one of his Instagram posts: “Lovely Willie The moon and stars were due to you. I’m truly sorry for depriving the world of more priceless time with you. You truly were an angel. I am aware that you are currently in heaven with the other angels. God grant you peace. Right now.”
Country music singer Mickey Guyton also paid respects by writing on Instagram: “You really are and always will be such a treasure to us. I adore you.”
