Willie Spence, “American Idol” finalist, dies at age 23

Willie Spence, a former finalist on ABC’s “American Idol,” died Tuesday in a automotive crash, in keeping with the Tennessee Highway Patrol. He was 23.

A preliminary report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol discovered that Spence’s Jeep Cherokee was driving east alongside Interstate 24 in Marion County at about 4 p.m. Tuesday when it left the roadway and hit the again of a tractor-trailer that had pulled off onto the shoulder.

Spence, who was from Dunwoody, Georgia, was sporting a seatbelt on the time of the crash, the report stated.

The driver of the truck was not injured. No costs have been filed within the crash, in keeping with the report.

Spence had are available second place in Season 19 of “American Idol,” which aired final 12 months.

In an announcement posted to the “American Idol” Twitter account, the present stated it was “devastated.”

“He was a real expertise who lit up each room he entered and shall be deeply missed,” the assertion stated. “We ship our condolences to his family members.”

Luke Bryan, a rustic music star and choose on “American Idol,” additionally paid tribute to Spence on Twitter.

“Willie actually did gentle up each room he walked into,” he wrote. “He might change the temper immediately when he began singing. He will actually be missed.”

Katharine McPhee Foster, who mentored Spence and sang with him on the present, shared the information of his dying on her Instagram account late Tuesday evening.

“Life is so unfair and nothing is ever promised,” she wrote. “God relaxation your soul Willie. It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you.”