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 died.
2
2
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.
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.
The rising star was eliminated in the following episode but made a lasting impression after telling the judges about working on the garbage trucks.
His story didn’t stop there. He later starred in The Garbage Man, an independent 2022 movie about his life.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.
Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun
