After the death of Willie Spence, American Idol judges Katy Perry and Luke Bryan honored him on social media.
Spence, a driver of his SUV, was driving off the highway and collided against the back of a tractor-trailer parked nearby.
“I love you Willie … purest soul. Perry, 37 commented on “Sing with the angels my darling.” “American Idol’s”Official statement about Spence’s demise was shared on the CBS show’s Instagram.
Fox News Digital obtained audio from 911 calls made after the car accident involving Willie Spence, an American Idol alum.
(Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images)
The statement stated, “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved American Idol member, Willie Spence.” He was truly a talent, who lit up every room where he went. We will miss him greatly. We send our condolences and sympathies to his family.
‘AMERICANIDOL’ RUNNER-UP WILLIE Spence KILLED IN CAR CRASH, DEAD AT 23
Bryan, 46 years old, tweeted: “Willie really lit up every space he walked in.” When he began singing, he could instantly change the mood.
The country singerHe was also remembered.
Richie posted a clip of Spence performing during the show to his Instagram account. Richie wrote, “Your light shall always shine in the world,” in the caption.
He said, “We were so fortunate to have a chance to witness you shine.” My thoughts and prayers are with Willie’s family. My friend, Rest in Peace.
“Everybody loved him, on and off-set.” @Williespence, you will be greatly missed.” host Ryan SeacrestI wrote and added a broken-hearted Emoji
Spence competed in season 19 of the competition and was defeated by Chayce, a country singer.
Beckham, 26, posted an emotional Instagram tribute to Spence in which he wrote about Spence as a “good, sweet soul” and “a warm beam of sunshine” whom he “loved very greatly.”
“I cannot wait to sing with your in Paradise where I know that I’ll see again. Beckham stated, “Rest in Peace brother.”
Fox News Digital obtained 911 audio on Thursday and revealed that Spence’s car accident resulted in three emergency calls.
Lt. Bobby Clevenger reported that Spence was declared dead upon arrival to Fox News Digital.
He stated, “The medical examr was called from the scene.”
A witness saw Spence’s 2019 Jeep Cherokee move left to right on the highway. This was the initial 911 call. “There’s an enormous truck sitting on the shoulder on the right shoulder. Witness to dispatch said that the car changed lanes from the left to the right and then slapped in the back.
A second 911 call was made, and a witness informed the operator that a “car struck a semitrailer”. The witness informed the dispatcher that they couldn’t access the car’s front to see the injuries and therefore couldn’t determine the exact number. They relayed that the front half of their car was completely under the trailer.
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An additional caller ensured that emergency crews were on their way.
Willie Spence was to perform in London on November 1, 2012.
(John Fleenor)
Raymond Kresl, a 68 year-old driver of the tractor/trailer, was not hurt. Both Spence as well as Kresl were wearing safety belts at the time.
Lt. Clevenger told Fox News Digital that no charges are currently pending at this time.
WPEC, the local CBS affiliate, reported that Spence’s family held an informal press conference in front of his grandmother’s Rivera Beach house on Wednesday.
Reporters heard from the family that Spence had died at such an early age.
“Willie was our gentle giant. Spence’s cousin Sabrena Cooper stated that while he was gentle in demeanor, he had a very powerful voice.
She said, “When he opened up his mouth and sang praises to the Lord, many would stop in their tracks to hear him.” Now Willie can be heard singing in the heavens’ choir.
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