A finalist on American Idol One is killed in a car accident in Tennessee.
Willie Spence, 23, died Tuesday after being rear-ended by a tractor-trailer that was stopped on the shoulder of Interstate 24 East near Chattanooga, according to news outlets, which cited reports from the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Both drivers were wearing seat belts, and the truck driver was not injured, the crash report said.
Spence, who hails from Georgia, finished second in season 19. American Idol last year.
The singing competition show released a statement on social media, saying Spence was “a true talent who lit up every room she walked into.”
We are saddened by the death of our loved one. American Idol family member, Willie Spence,” the statement read. “Our condolences to his loved ones.”