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Former American Idol contestant Doug Kiker was reported to have died from an accidental opioid overdose, the Denver Medical Examiner's Office confirmed to the New York Post on Thursday (April 17).
Kiker was reported to have died from âthe combined toxic effects of fentanyl, methadone and amphetamines, with recent cocaine use," according to the report, which was initially obtained by TMZ. The singer, who impressed judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan during his Season 18 audition in 2019 after revealing that he was a garbage man, died on March 10 at the age of 32.
Kiker's sister, Angela Evans, confirmed his death in a post shared on her Facebook account on March 12.
âIt is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of my brother, Douglas Kiker,â Evans wrote. âHe was sooo loved and will be missed by so many! Youâre singing with the angels now Bubba. Please pray for our family as we go [through] this very difficult time.â
Kiker's ex-fiancĂŠe Valerie Cook also shared a post revealing that her children had lost their father following his death. A GoFundMe page was launched to help pay for Kiker's funeral expenses, which raised more than $6,000, exceeding its initial goal of $4,500.
Kiker sang a rendition of Rascal Flatts' song 'Bless the broken Road' during his Season 18 audition, which included Bryan playing the piano to help ease his nerves, earning him a ticket to Hollywood, though he didn't make it past the next round.