'American Idol' Alum Alex Miller Involved in Fatal Car Accident With His Tour Bus

Former American Idol contestant Alex Miller is safe after a tragic vehicular accident left one driver dead. 

"While traveling back from a vacation last night, rising country star Alex Miller and several members of his band were on a bus that was hit by a car," a rep for the star shared in a Wednesday statement on social media.

"Sadly, the driver of the car is deceased. Alex sends his thoughts and prayers to the gentleman and his family," the statement continued. "No one on the bus was injured. Kentucky State Police are investigating."

In a post on its website, the Kentucky State Police department shared that the fatal collision occurred on Tuesday around 10:28 p.m. in Rockcastle County. The preliminary investigation indicates Mount Vernon resident James M. Mcpheron, 53, lost control of his Toyota Rav4 and veered into the path of a 1997 Vanhool tour bus. Mcpheron died of his injuries at the Rockcastle Regional Hospital. The investigation is ongoing. 

In recent months, Miller had shared a pair of live cover performances recorded on his tour bus.

The accident occurred just hours before Miller was set to drop a new song called "Oh Odessa." In a video shared to Instagram shortly before the crash, the performer hinted that he was in Florida as he encouraged fans to pre-save the song before its Feb. 14 release. 

Miller, 20, rose to fame in 2021 as a contestant on American Idol season 19. Following his elimination, Luke Bryan made good on a promise he had given during Miller's audition and invited him to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. 

The news comes amid Idol judge  Katy Perry's planned departure from the iconic singing competition series. The pop star announced the news earlier this week in an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. 

For more American Idol news, check out the links below. 

RELATED CONTENT: