Known American Idol contestant, Doug Kiker, has died at the age of 32. This was announced by his sisters who confirmed his death on Facebook on Wednesday 12 March.
His sisters confirmed his death online
Doug’s sisters Angela Evans and Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez shared the news of his death on Facebook. In a post made by Evans, she wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of my brother Douglas Kiker.”
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“He was sooo loved and will be missed by so many! [You’re] singing with the [angels] now Bubba. Please pray for our family as we go [through] this very difficult time.”
Carrillos-Ramirez also wrote him a message
“Today I got the call that no one wants to get. We lost an amazing person today,” Carrillos-Ramirez also posted on social media.
“He had the biggest smile and knew how to make you laugh. I know I didn’t raise him but I never stopped loving him. My parents did an amazing job with him. Douglas Kiker you will forever be missed. Fly high. Say hey to grandma.”
His cause of death wasn’t revealed
Although his sisters confirmed that he has passed on, Kiker’s cause of death has not been revealed.
Kiker was known as ‘The Singing Garbage Man’ as he rose to fame when he appeared on the 18th season of American Idol in 2020.
Kiker’s performance was a hit
The Alabama native’s performance of Rascal Flatts’ Bless the Broken Road made many viewers and listeners emotional, with American Idol judge Katy Perry being moved to tears by his voice.
“For a man who has no idea what his voice can do, for a man who has no idea what key he’s singing in, for a man who has no idea who the heck he can be, he’s here to do one thing: He’s trying to show his daughter that he’s somebody,” Lionel Richie had said to Kiker after his performance.
Kiker was loved by many
“I want us all to let you know, you’re a hell of a man,” Lionel Richie had added in encouragement. Doug Kiker got the golden ticket at the time, with Richie telling him, “I want you to come get this ticket. You’re going to Hollywood!”
Although Kiker got eliminated, he eventually came back to perform the same song virtually for the season finale. He then made headlines again a few months later after being charged with suspension of domestic violence.
His sister set up a GoFundMe
Facebook | Angela Evans
Doug’s sister, Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez, has set up a GoFundMe fundraiser where she wrote, “Help Us Lay Our Loved One to Rest It is with heavy hearts that we have to say goodbye to one of the most sincere souls and most hilarious person of all. Douglas, a beloved son, brother, father and friend.”
“We are now left with the difficult task of bringing him home and covering funeral expenses. We are reaching out for help to honor Douglas’s memory and give him a proper farewell,” read the GoFundMe.
Doug is survived by two children whom he shares with ex-fiancée Valerie Cook, according to TMZ.
