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AN AMERICAN Idol contestant who brought the judges to tears with his superstar voice and stories of being a garbage man has died.
Doug Kiker was just 32 years old when he passed away.
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His heartbroken family members confirmed his death but didn’t share any details on what happened.
Kiker’s sister Angela Evans said the family was “completely unprepared” to hear the news of the singer’s death.
She asked for help bringing his body from Colorado and said they are working to provide the “memorial that not only he, but anyone deserves.”
“You will live forever in our hearts. I miss you so,” wrote Evans on Facebook.
His ex-fiancée Valerie Cook said she does “hate” that their kids are now going to grow up without a father, TMZ reported.
The family started a GoFundMe page with a goal of $4,500.
The organizer wrote, “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.
“Thank you for your love, support, and generosity during this incredibly difficult time. We greatly appreciate each and everyone of yall.”
The family has so far raised $1,000 of their goal.
IDOL FAME
Kiker rocketed to fame after auditioning for American Idol Season 18 and bringing judge Katy Perry to tears with his rendition of Rascal Flatts’ Bless the Broken Road.
The judges showed him how to practice his vocal range and surprised him with a family visit as he grinned widely and flashed his broken front teeth.
Judge Lionel Richie said of the performance, “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.”
After making it to Hollywood, the rising star was eliminated in the following episode.
He made a lasting impression after telling the judges about working on the garbage trucks.
His story didn’t stop there. He came back for the season finale and sang his audition song alongside Rascal Flatts in a heartwarming performance.
In 2022, the singer starred in The Garbage Man, an independent movie about his life.
He continued to post videos of himself singing soulful country on YouTube, amassing millions of views.
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LEGAL TROUBLES
After appearing on the show, Kiker was arrested in May 2021 on domestic violence charges.
He was charged with domestic violence in the third degree, harassment, after a woman called 911 to report the incident.
He was held on $1,000 bond at the time.
According to online court records, the case was listed as closed in November 2022.
FAN REACTION
Fans have flooded to social media to say their goodbye’s to the memorable performer.
One fan commented on his Instagram page, “RIP brother. Sing with the angels.”
A second wrote, “Rest in Paradise… Loved your voice on [American Idol].”
A third said, “I am sad to hear the news!”
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