The family of former "American Idol" runner-up Willie Spence confirmed that he died in a car crash in Marion County, Tenn. Authorities reported that Spence was driving a 2019 Jeep Cherokee on Interstate 24 in Marion County, Tenn., when his vehicle left the road at about 4 p.m. Tuesday and collided with the back of a tractor trailer. Spence was pronounced dead at the scene from "multisystem trauma due to motor vehicle accident," according to the Marion County Medical Examiner. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.
The 23-year-old Spence was runner up to Chayce Beckham in Season 19 of the show. Beckham shared a tribute to Spence on Instagram: "It's hard to find the words to say here, other than I loved Willie very much. He was a good sweet soul, and a warm beam of light in a cold and dark world that needed him so much."
The "American Idol" Twitter page offered condolences on the loss of Spence: "We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence. He was a true talent who lit up every room he entered and will be deeply missed. We send our condolences to his loved ones." 'American Idol' host Ryan Seacrest also tweeted, "Everybody on and off set loved him. @Williespence you'll be deeply missed."
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