Tragic: American Idol Alum Killed in a Car Crash
A member of the American Idol family has died in a fatal car crash in Oklahoma. According to the Associated Press, via Variety, season two finalist Rickey E. Smith Jr. died on impact during the multi-car wreck. He was 36.
The crash occurred on I-240 just outside of Oklahoma City at approximately 3:15 a.m. Local news outlets report 27-year-old Gerardo Cerda Jr. was on the other end of the crash — he was driving a pickup truck westbound in the eastbound lanes and slammed head-on into Smith's vehicle.
Cerda, who survived the crash, was hospitalized and arrested for DUI. Smith, unfortunately, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Smith finished in eighth place on season two of American Idol, alongside winner Ruben Studdard.
Our condolences go out to Rickey's family, friends and fans.
Watch American Idol say farewell in the BET Breaks video, above.
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