Willie Spence, the 2021 āAmerican Idolā runner-up, died in a Car accident in Tennessee on Tuesday.
The singer was 23 years old, according to a Facebook post from Douglas Now, a local news outlet in Spenceās hometown of Douglas, Georgia.
āHe was an extraordinary talent and a ray of light to millions across the world. He will be missed,ā the post said.
šŗ Embedded media ā coming soon
A relative of Spence confirmed his Death to TMZ.
The family member told the outlet that Spence crashed into a semi on the side of the road on his way to Atlanta.
Just before he died, Spence posted a video of himself singing on Instagram.
āYou are my hiding place. You always fill my heart with songs of deliverance. Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in you. I will trust in you. Let the weak say, āI am strong in the strength of the Lord,'ā he sang.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by StarInTheMaking?āØ??? (@williespenceofficial)
šŗ Embedded media ā coming soon
Spence has been mourned across social media.
Katharine McPhee, who sang a duet with Spence on āAmerican Idol,ā posted a tribute on Instagram.
āI received very tragic news tonight. Sweet passed away in a Car accident. Only 23 years old. Life is so unfair and nothing is ever promised,ā McPhee wrote, according to Page Six.Ā āGod rest your soul Willie. It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you.ā
Producer Randall Emmett posted, āMy heart is broken and my prayers go out to his family. I was lucky to have him sing for me live at my home and other events, I will miss you my friend. I know you touched so many of us. Iām heart broken.ā
Caleb Kennedy, a finalist with Spence on āAmerican Idol,āĀ commented, āYour voice will forever be in my heart. Iām gonna miss you so much big guy canāt wait to hear that voice when I make it up there!!ā
Spence was set to perform in London in a few weeks, the Independent reported.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.