A 23 yr. old American Idol rising star lost his life on the freeway Wednesday. Willie Spence, 23, died Tuesday after rear-ending a parked tractor-trailer that was on the shoulder of Interstate 24 East near Chattanooga.
Despite both drivers wearing a seatbelt, Spence was the only one that died, citing a Tennessee Highway Patrol report. According to reports, he was travelling home to Atlanta, leaving out of Tennessee.
Spence is known from last year’s season 19 of American Idol, when the singer finished in second place on the show. When Willie performed “Diamonds” by Rihanna during his audition in San Diego, the judges gave him a “yes” and advanced him to the next stage. Uniquely judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan praised Spence’s performance, “You are a special, special human being. I did not want it to end.”
American Idol Responds to The Death Of William Spence
“We are devastated about the passing of our beloved ‘American Idol’ family member, Willie Spence. 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.”
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