American Idol star Doug Kiker has di3d at the age of 32.

The singer – who was a garbage man by trade -was a fan favourite on the show for his back story and his incredible voice. His sister Angela Evans posted that the family were “completely unprepared” for his shock d3ath and asked for help in bringing his body home from Colorado.

Saying they want to give him a “memorial that not only he, but anyone deserves,” she then added on social media: “You will live forever in our hearts. I miss you so.”

On Facebook on March 12, Angela shared: “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! [You’re] singing with the [angels] now Bubba. Please pray for our family as we go [through] this very difficult time.”

Lionel Richie called the late Doug a ‘hell of a man’ during his American Idol audition, as the garbage collector shared he wanted to prove himself to his young daughter ( 
Image:
ABC via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, his other sister Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez wrote: “Today I got the call that no one wants to get. We lost an amazing person today.”

She added: “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.”

Doug’s ex-fiancée Valerie Cook also spoke out following the tragic news, telling TMZ that she “hates that her kids lost their father.”

On their GoFundMe for Doug, his family explained that they were aiming to raise $4,500 for his burial – with $1,000 already donated at the time of writing.

“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,” Donna wrote in the page’s description.

They added: “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. 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.”

Doug was known as the ‘Singing Garbage Man’ on American Idol, after he took a break from his day job in 2018 to win over fans and judges with his incredible voice, auditioning with a Rascal Flatts song.

Lionel Richie was particularly moved by Doug’s song, and praised at the time: “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. I want us all to let you know, you’re a hell of a man.”