ENTERTAINMENT
‘American Idol’ Runner-Up Willie Spence Dead At 23
The powerful singer died in a car accident in Tennessee.
American Idol runner-up Willie Spence has died from injuries sustained in a car accident in Tennessee. He was 23.
According to local news outlet Douglas Now, Spence passed away on Tuesday (Oct. 11).
Spence was a contestant on Season 19 of the singing competition show and performed a duet with another American Idol alum, Katharine McPhee, who seemingly confirmed the news of his passing 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.”
According to Spence’s Instagram, he uploaded a video singing “You Are My Hiding Place” by Selah just hours before the crash.
