Former ‘American Idol’ Contestant Haley Smith Dies in Motorcycle Crash At 26

Former American Idol contestant Haley Smith died over the weekend in a motorcycle accident in Maine. She was 26.

Officers responded to the single-vehicle accident at 2 a.m. on Saturday, Millinocket Chief of Police Craig Worster said in a statement.

“It would appear initially that she failed to negotiate a sharp turn and crashed,” Worster stated.

The performer, who auditioned for the show back in 2012, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Smith’s father, Mike, confirmed the news, adding he believes she lost control of her bike after being “spooked” – possibly by a deer.

Before her audition for Season 11 of American Idol, Smith, then 18, described on the show her love of the outdoors.

“I definitely love being outdoors,” she said. “It’s where I feel most at peace, you could say.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=288&v=jcTm6lw4kWA

Smith impressed judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson with a rendition of Rufus and Chaka Khan‘s “Tell Me Something Good,” earning a ticket to Hollywood. 

“Wow, I love your voice so much,” Tyler said. “You’re right out of my era, and I’m honored to be here, listening to your voice.” 

The season was eventually run by Phillip Phillips.

Emma Harvey, a spokesperson for American Idol, expressed condolences from the show: “We are sorry to hear of the passing of Haley Smith and our thoughts and prayers are with her family.”

An investigation into Smith’s death is still pending.