American Idol runner-up Willie Spence died Tuesday from injuries sustained in a car accident, Page Six reports. The outlet says he was 23.
The talented crooner was in Tennessee at the time of the accident, local news outlet Douglas Now reported.
“We are devastated about the passing of our beloved ‘American Idol’ family member, Willie Spence,” the show said in a statement via Twitter. “He was a true talent who lit up every room he entered and will be deeply missed. We send our condolences to his loved ones.”
Katharine McPhee, who performed a duet with Spence during his Season 19 appearance, posted videos mourning him on her Instagram Story.
“I received very tragic news tonight,” she wrote above a video of her and Spence meeting. “Sweet @williespenceofficial passed away in a car accident. Only 23 years old. Life is so unfair and nothing is ever promised.
“God rest your soul Willie. It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you.”
McPhee, 38, added a series of broken-heart emojis and also reposted the last video Spence shared, which shows him belting out a Christian song in a car, right before the accident.
“He posted this right before the accident [sobbing emoji],” she added.
Fans and followers flooded Spence’s post with comments about the tragic accident.
