An American Idol star has died at the age of just 32.
Doug Kiker, who appeared on American Idol in 2020, passed away on Monday (March 10). His tragic passing was confirmed by his family members, such as sister Angela Evans, Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez and brother William.
A post on Facebook from Angela read: “It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of my brother Douglas Kiker. He was sooo loved and will be missed by so many! [You’re] singing with the [angels] now Bubba. Please pray for our family as we go [through] this very difficult time.”
Kiker wrote: “Today I got the call that no one wants to get. We lost an amazing person today. He had the biggest smile and knew how to make you laugh.
(Image: ABC via Getty Images)
“I know I didn’t raise him but I never stopped loving him,” she added. “My parents did an amazing job with him. Douglas Kiker you will forever be missed. Fly high. Say hey to grandma.”
Angela said their family was “completely unprepared” to hear about the singer’s death and asked for help bringing his body home from Colorado. She said the family are trying to “provide the “memorial that not only he, but anyone deserves”.
In a post on Facebook, she wrote: “You will live forever in our hearts. I miss you so.” According to TMZ, Valerie said she ‘hates’ that their kids are going to grow up without a father – the pair shared two daughters.
The family have started a GoFundMe page with a goal of raising $4,500. A description for the page read: “We are now left with the difficult task of bringing him home and covering funeral expenses. We are reaching out for help to honor Douglas’s memory and give him a proper farewell.
(Image: ABC via Getty Images)
“Any contribution, no matter the amount, will go directly to the funeral costs and allow us to navigate this difficult time without the added financial burden.”
Doug, known as The Singing Garbage Man, appeared on American Idol in 2020 and wowed judge Katy Perry with his rendition of Rascal Flatts’ Bless the Broken Road. She was moved to tears by the performance.
Fellow judge Lionel Richie said: “For a man who has no idea what his voice can do, for a man who has no idea what key he’s singing in, for a man who has no idea who the heck he can be, he’s here to do one thing: He’s trying to show his daughter that he’s somebody.”
“I want us all to let you know, you’re a hell of a man,” Richie said. “I want you to come get this ticket. You’re going to Hollywood!”.
The singer was eliminated in the following episode but returned for the finale, where he sang his audition song alongside Rascall Flatts in a virtual appearance. The video has racked up over 1million views on Kiker’s YouTube channel.
Kiker was arrested in May 2021 on domestic violence charges and charged with domestic violence in the third degree, harassment, and held on a $1000 [£700] bond. Online court records list the case as closed.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
