AMERICAN IDOL Alum Known as ‘The Singing Garbage Man’ Dies at 32
By Movieguide® Contributor
AMERICAN IDOL Season 18 contestant Douglas Kiker died Monday at the age of 32.
“It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of my brother Douglas Kiker he was sooo loved and will be missed by so many!” the singer’s sister, Angela Evans, said on Facebook. “Your singing with the Angel’s now Bubba Please pray for our family as we go through this very difficult time.”
“We lost an amazing person today,” his other sister, Donna Kiker Carillos-Ramirez, posted. “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,” she said. “Douglas Kiker you will forever be missed. Fly high. Say hey to grandma.”
Authorities are still investigating Kiker’s cause of death.
Kiker was known as “The Singing Garbage Man,” due to his talent and career in the sanitation industry. His version of Rascal Flatt’s “Bless the Broken Road” wowed judge Katy Perry, who teared up, telling him, ”That was not garbage. It was greatness.” The judges all wanted him to go to the next round, and he did but got eliminated one week later.
In Season’s 18 finale, AMERICAN IDOL invited Kiker for a virtual encore, where he got to sing Rascal Flatts’ song again with the Flatts themselves.
RELATED: COUNTY RESCUE STAR KELLER FORNES DEAD AT 32
One of Kiker’s last social media posts was in 2022. He said, “To all the people that have shown your love and support!!!! I appreciate you!!!!”
“I may have been down but don’t ever count me out I refuse to give up on all the people rooting for the dreamers of the world as long theres breath in me I’m gonna live and strive everyday to be my best self and show that I’m not just talk Im working very hard both mentally and physically let me know what you think also before I forget if you haven’t clicked the follow button or visited and subscribed to my youtube channel please don’t forget to continue to show your support by doing so thank you once again,” he said.
Kiker shared two daughters with his ex-fiancée, Valerie Cook. She told TMZ that she hates that her kids lost their dad.
Kiker’s sister Donna organized a GoGundMe page to raise funds for funeral expenses.
“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,” the page reads. “Any contribution, no matter the amount, will go directly to the funeral costs and allow us to navigate this difficult time without the added financial burden.”
“Thank you for your love, support, and generosity during this incredibly difficult time. We greatly appreciate each and everyone of yall.”
READ MORE: THIS AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT LET JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL
- Content: +3Share:
- Content: +1