Willie Spence Cause of Death Tragic: ‘American Idol’ Runner Up Posted Heartwarming Video Hours Before Dying

Willie Spence, a runner-up on "American Idol," died on Tuesday at the age of 23.

According to TMZ and a local news site in Georgia, the aspiring singer, who was on the 19th season of the long-running singing competition, was involved in a car accident in Tennessee.

Willie Spence died as a result of injuries incurred in a vehicle accident in which he was involved.

The outlet stated that Willie was in Tennessee at the time of his death, and that they did not have any other information at the time of publishing, but they expressed their sympathies to Willie's family, friends, and fans.

As of this writing, Willie Spence's family had not issued a public comment on the singer's death.

But before his death, Willie Spence uploaded a video of himself singing in a car on his Instagram.

The post was captioned, "Lord, you are my hiding place."

Tributes immediately poured in for Willie, including one from singer Katharine McPhee who duetted with him on "American Idol," saying in her Instagram, "Life is so unfair and nothing is ever promised."

"It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you," she added.

K. Michelle also shared images of videos of her and Willie spending time together, saying how in shock she is at the singer's passing.

Willie Spence on 'American Idol'

Willie Spence appeared in the 19th season of "American Idol" in 2021.

He finished second, slightly ahead of Chayce Beckham.

Throughout the competition, he was able to wow the judges with his versions of Ray Charles' "Georgia on My Mind," Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come," and many other songs.

He even performed a duet with "X Factor" winner Leona Lewis, singing "You Are The Reason."

Willie released his debut single, "Never Be Alone," after the season ended.

He was also scheduled to appear in London the following month.

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American Idol