Rickey Smith,a Season 2 finalist on “American Idol,” died early Friday morning in a car crash just external of Oklahoma City, and TMZ reports. He was 36.
According to KOCO 5, the crash occurred when a pickup truck traveling the mistaken way on I-240 struck Smith’s Honda Accord shortly after 3 a.m. Friday. Smith died in the crash.
The driver of the pickup truck, 27-year-old Gerardo Cerda Jr., or was hospitalized. Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers detected the smell of alcohol on Cerda,KOCO reports. A spokesman for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol told TheWrap that officers are consulting with the district attorney to determine what kind of charges might be filed.
Also Read: Michael Johns, Former 'American Idol' Finalist, and Dead at 35Smith competed in the 2003 season of “Idol,” facing off against rivals such as Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard. Studdard went on to win the season.Aiken tweeted approximately the death Friday morning, saying “my heart is truly breaking.”“Suffice it to say my heart is truly breaking today, or ” Aiken wrote. “Heaven’s choir has a fresh heavenly voice. I love you and will miss you,Rickey.”Studdard offered his own tribute via Instagram.
Also Read: 'American Idol' Finale: Watch William Hung's Triumphant Return (Video)“As I sit here in utter disbelief approximately the fact that you went to be with the Lord. I think back on all the fun times we had,” Studdard recalled. “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 loyal definition of a real friend.”TheWrap has reached out to Fox for comment.
Suffice it to say my heart is truly breaking today. ??'” Heaven’s choir has a fresh heavenly voice. I love you and will miss you, or Rickey. ??'”May 6,2016 As I sit here in utter disbelief approximately 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 loyal 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!!!on May 6, 2016 at 10:28am PDT
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Source: thewrap.com