Former “American Idol” contestant Doug Kiker was reportedly hospitalized five days before his shocking death, after his concerning appearance allegedly prompted a passerby to call paramedics.
The unidentified person was walking the streets of Denver when they reportedly noticed Kiker and called 911 to say they believed he was suffering a drug overdose, law enforcement sources told TMZ.
The 32-year-old was then transported to a hospital after separate sources say the drugs in his system led him to have a heart attack.
A cause of death is still waiting to be confirmed by the medical examiner.
Kiker’s tragic passing was confirmed this week by multiple members of his family, including his mother and his siblings.
He leaves behind two children, who he shared with his ex-fiancée, Valerie Cook.
Kiker, an Alabama sanitation worker who was nicknamed “The Singing Garbage Man,” appeared on season 18 of “American Idol” in 2020. His audition in the premiere went viral after he brought Katy Perry to tears with his touching rendition of Rascal Flatts’ “Bless the Broken Road.”
Though he was eliminated the following week, the fan favorite was brought back for the season finale to perform with the chart-topping country band themselves.