Willie Spence, the runner-up on “American Idol,” passed away on Tuesday as a result of injuries incurred in a car accident, according to a report. He was 23.
The gifted singer-songwriter was in Tennessee when the incident occurred.
Spence was on Season 19 of The Voice, where they sang a duet together. Singer Katharine McPhee appeared to confirm the news on her Instagram Story and uploaded videos lamenting his passing.
Above a video of her and Spence meeting, she wrote, “I received extremely bad news tonight. “Sweet @williespenceofficial died in a traffic collision. 23 years old just. Nothing is ever guaranteed, and life is so unfair.
“May God grant you peace, Willie. It was a pleasure getting to know you and singing with you.
The final video Spence shared, in which he can be seen singing a Christian song in a car just before the accident, has been reposted by McPhee, 38, along with a number of broken-heart emoticons.
McPhee said, “He posted this just before the accident [sobbing emoji].”
The article has already been deluged with comments from fans and followers lamenting Spence’s unfortunate accident.
“Friend, fly, sing with the angels, and dance beneath the stars! RIH,” one person said.
“Oh my God, I’m speechless. It’s not you, Willie. Wow… King, may you rest in peace,” remarked a stagehand.
On his Instagram Story, movie producer Randall Emmett also paid respect to his “buddy.”
He posted over a picture of Spence, “My heart is devastated and my prayers go out to his family,” “I was fortunate to have him perform for me in person at gatherings like my home and others; I will miss you, my buddy. I am aware that you affected a lot of us. My heart is broken.
Spence performed “Georgia on My Mind,” “A Change Is Gonna Come,” and “Stand Up” during the Season 19 finale. Spence’s performance moved the judges, however Chayce Beckham, who won the American Idol, garnered more votes than Spence.