Further details have emerged after news first broke out that “American Idol” runner-up, Willie Spence, had died in a car accident on Tuesday at 23. Spence had competed in season 19 of the show at the age of 21, making it all the way to the finals before losing to Chayce Beckham in the final round. Spence was near Chattanooga, TN when he veered off Interstate 24 and hit a tractor trailer that was pulled over on the shoulder. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts, but Spence passed away at the scene while the other driver was unhurt. An official cause of the accident has not yet been determined, although Spence’s family has stated that he was not a drinker and believe he may have fallen asleep at the wheel. They stated Spence had had a busy weekend in Tennessee and was on his way back to Atlanta to meet with an organization that helps women who have been victims of trafficking and abuse. His family has set up a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses and thanked his fans, writing on the page, “Although, this is a difficult time for us all. We came to realize that Willie was not only important to us, but he was also important to the world. He has millions of fans who enjoy his voice. And while we all want to mourn as a family in private, we realize our grief is not only ours, but in others as well. On behalf of Willie’s mother, Sharon Spence, and his father, Willie Spence, we want to thank all of you for the prayers, the calls, the kind words, and the gestures.
Just hours before his accident, Spence posted a video of himself singing “You Are My Hiding Place” by Michael Ledner. Katharine McPhee, who was on “American Idol” in 2006 and worked as Spence’s coach in 2019 shared the video to her Instagram as she announced Spence’s passing. “I received very tragic news tonight. Sweet [Willie Spence] passed away in a car accident. Only 23 years old. Life is so unfair and nothing is ever promised. God rest your soul, Willie. It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you,” she wrote. “American Idol” as well as judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie all mourned Spence’s passing. “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,” “Idol” said in its statement. “Willie really did light up every room he walked into. He could change the mood instantly when he started singing. He will truly be missed,” Luke Bryan wrote of Spence.
Spence was known for his faith. His parents were active members of Bethe’l Family Worship Center in Georgia and his grandfather was a pastor. In September 2021 he posted a picture of himself and his pastor on Facebook writing, “So Thankful for my Pastor I couldn’t have gotten this far without her Prayers & everything else she has instilled in me!” His church has stated that details of his funeral and memorial services will be forthcoming as his family deals with the devastating situation.
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