Former American Idol contestant, Haley Smith, has passed away.
According to TMZ on Tuesday, the reality TV singer died early Saturday morning following a motorcycle crash in Millinocket, Maine. She was 26.
Police say Smith failed to make a sharp turn along a residential road. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Additionally, a spokesperson for the Millinocket Police Department confirmed the tragic news to Us Weekly, adding authorities arrived at Medway Road around 2 a.m.
Her father, Mike Smith, told TMZ the family believes a deer might have caused the accident as Haley was a good rider. Additionally, the brood highly doubts the musician lost control of her vehicle.
Haley’s kin say they were preparing to celebrate her birthday this November.
Smith appeared on the hit competition singing show in 2012 where she auditioned in Colorado during the eleventh season. Per the series, she was 18 at the time, and worked as a “house cleaner/busser/meat packer.”
During her performance, she impressed judges — Steven Tyler, Randy Jackson, and Jennifer Lopez — with her rendition of Rufus and Chaka Khan‘s Tell Me Something Good.
The Aerosmith frontman remarked:
“I love your voice so much. You’re right out of my era and I’m honored to be here listening to your voice.”
Sadly, after making it to Hollywood, the Orem, Utah-native got cut in the second round.
WATCH her vocal talents (below):
Sadly, Smith is not the only American Idol contestant who has lost his or her life.
In May 2016, season two finalist, Rickey Smith, passed away following a DUI car crash on a highway outside of Oklahoma City.
Allegedly, Gerardo Cedra Jr. slammed into the then-36-year-old’s vehicle while driving the wrong way down I-240.
Following the alleged head-on collision, the vocalist — who placed eighth in the contest — was pronounced dead at the scene.
After the horrific news went viral, runner-up Clay Aiken penned on Twitter:
“Suffice it to say my heart is truly breaking today. Heaven’s choir has a new beautiful voice. I love you and will miss you, Rickey.”
Winner Ruben Studdard wrote on Instagram:
“As I sit here in utter disbelief about the fact that you went to be with the Lord. I think back on all the fun times we had. How we set up for hours in our room in the Idol Mansion talking and listening to music. How much fun we all had on our very first tour. You were the heart of our season and the true definition of a real friend.. I will miss you my Friend RIP Ricky Smith. I’m sure you’re in heaven singing you’re heart out!!!”
R.I.P. Haley and Rickey. You will be missed.
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