Willie Spence

Willie Spence's tragic death at age 23, The 'American Idol' judges discuss the tragic loss Learn More Light Yellow Arrow

According to Douglas Now, a local newspaper in Tennessee, the Georgian was in the state at the time of the tragedy. He was 23.

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Story Behind

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Judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie have paid tribute to Season 19 runner-up Willie Spence

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American Idol

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Singer Willie Spence

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McPhee, 38, also shared a video of Spence singing a Christian song in a car, right before the fatal accident.

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