American Idol alum Doug Kiker has passed away at the age of 32 on Monday, but a cause of death has yet to be revealed, TMZ reported on Thursday.
The singer – who was also known as ‘The Singing Garbage Man’ – previously appeared on the competition show during its 18th season and auditioned with Rascal Flatts’ Bless the Broken Road.
His ex-fiancée Valerie Cook confirmed his shock death, as well as family members including his sister Angela and brother William.
In a post on social media, Angela heartbreakingly revealed that Kiker’s passing was ‘unexpected’ and his loved ones were ‘completely unprepared.’
A GoFundMe page has also been made to help with the ‘difficult task of bringing him home and covering funeral expenses.’
Doug was also father to two children that he shared with Valerie – and she told TMZ that she ‘hates’ that their daughters have lost their father.
American Idol alum Doug Kiker has passed away at the age of 32 on Monday, but a cause of death has yet to be revealed, TMZ reported on Thursday
In a post on social media, Angela heartbreakingly revealed that Kiker’s passing was ‘unexpected’ and his loved ones were ‘completely unprepared’
Angela penned an emotional post on social media as she confirmed her brother’s death and penned she was ‘reaching out because a lot of people have reached out and asked how they could help…
‘As this was completely unexpected we are completely unprepared and are gonna need a little help getting him home from denver colorado and being able to give the memorial that not only he but anyone deserves.’
She then expressed her gratitude for the ‘calls’ and ‘messages’ she has received, as well as the ‘continued prayers at his very difficult time.
‘Lord know we have been threw so much these past few years! Douglas Kiker you will live forever in our hearts. I miss you soooo.’
The music artist’s brother William also shared on Facebook, ‘Dear brother I just want you to know that know matter where you are you will always be my baby brother.’
He movingly added, ‘I just wish I had more time with you so until I can see you again say hey to bubba for me and tell him I love him rest in peace Douglas Kiker my baby brother.’
The GoFundMe page – which was created on Wednesday – contains past photos of Kiker and has since raised $1,000 with the goal of $4,500.
A message also read: ‘Help Us Lay Our Loved One to Rest It is with heavy hearts that we have to say goodbye to one of the most sincere souls and most hilarious person of all. Douglas, a beloved son, brother, father and friend.’
The singer – who was also known as ‘The Singing Garbage Man’ – previously appeared on the competition show during its 18th season and auditioned with Rascal Flatts’ Bless the Broken Road
The music artist’s brother William also shared on Facebook, ‘Dear brother I just want you to know that know matter where you are you will always be my baby brother’
The GoFundMe page – which was created on Wednesday – contains past photos of Kiker and has since raised $1,000 with the goal of $4,500
‘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.’
The end of the description included, ‘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.’
Back in 2020, Kiker first appeared on American Idol during its 18th season as he auditioned in front of the judges and sang Bless the Broken Road by the Rascal Flatts.
His performance earned him a standing ovation from the judges and notably brought Katy Perry to tears.
However, he did not make it past Hollywood week where he sang Ain’t No Mountain High Enough after initially performing the wrong song.
‘I just don’t want to let my family down… I’ve been a good man my whole life,’ he had stated at the time.
Although Doug did not make it to the Top 20, he said about his last performance amid the competition, ‘I think I did pretty well for it being my first time.’
Doug was also father to two children that he shared with Valerie – and she told TMZ that she ‘hates’ that their daughters have lost their father
However, he did not make it past Hollywood week where he sang Ain’t No Mountain High Enough after initially performing the wrong song
In 2021 – one year after competing on American Idol – Kiker was arrested for domestic violence, TMZ had reported.
At the time, he had been taken into police custody in the state of Alabama after being involved in a domestic violence incident.
Doug was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence and sat in jail on a $1,000 bond.
The singer had been taken into custody after officers responded to reports of domestic violence between Kiker and an unnamed woman – who made the call to 911.
