Singer Doug Kiker, who left judge Katy Perry in tears with his talent on American Idol, died at the age of 32, with his family confirming his shock death last month
American Idol star Doug Kiker’s cause of death has reportedly been determined.
The singer, who appeared on the talent show in 2020, died in March at the age of just 32. His heartbroken family confirmed his passing on social media, with his sister Angela Evans admitting they were “completely unprepared” for news that he’d died.
His family members had asked for help bringing his body home from Colorado. They set up a GoFundMe page and said the family are trying to provide the “memorial that not only he, but anyone deserves”.
It’s now been reported that Kiker died of an opioid overdose in what has been ruled an accidental death. According to TMZ, this came in the City and County of Denver Medical Examiner’s report.
It’s said the singer’s death was caused by the toxic interaction of fentanyl, methadone, and amphetamines, as well as recent cocaine use. The outlet alleged Kiker had been spotted on the street in Denver by a pedestrian who had grown concerned about him and called 911.
It’s claimed Kiker was rushed to hospital by paramedics and, sadly, died five days later. His family members such as sisters Angela Evans, Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez and brother William announced his passing.
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.”
She added: “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.
Donna 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. 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.”
The family set up 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.
“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 was known as The Singing Garbage Man as he was a garbage man by trade. He appeared on American Idol in 2020 and wowed judge Katy Perry with his rendition of Rascal Flatts’ song Bless the Broken Road, moving her 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, where he dazzled fans with his voice.
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.
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
