Douglas Kiker reportedly looked so unwell before his death that a passerby called 911 to report it

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Douglas Kiker, the “Singing Garbage Man” of “American Idol” Season 18, reportedly looked bad enough before he was hospitalized that a pedestrian who passed him on the street decided to call 911.

Kiker passed away on March 10 at Denver Health Medical Center, as confirmed by the Denver Medical Examiner’s office to The Times via email on Friday. He was transferred there by ambulance from a location just a few blocks east of City Center Park on March 5.

Television

Doug Kiker of ‘American Idol’ fame is dead. The ‘Singing Garbage Man’ made it to Hollywood, was eliminated early, then came back to sing with Rascal Flatts.

Before Kiker was hospitalized, he appeared to be experiencing an overdose, the caller said, according to TMZ. Kiker, unofficially, suffered a drug-induced heart attack, sources outside of law enforcement told the website.

But “the cause and manner of death are pending investigation,” authorities said Friday.

The Mobile, Ala., man, who earned his nickname singing while hanging off of his day-job trash truck, auditioned for “American Idol” Season 18, charming the judges with his unaffected nature and raw talent. He earned his ticket to Hollywood but was dismissed, as so many are, during the first Hollywood round.

Even so, he returned to the competition for the finale episode, doing a virtual performance of his audition song, “Bless the Broken Road,” with Rascal Flatts, the group that turned the tune first recorded by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band into a hit in 2005. By that time, the world was in COVID-19 lockdown and the televised performance saw the singers, judges and host each in his or her own Zoom-style box, far apart even as Kiker and the band were singing together.

Music

Bryar’s body was found with three large nitrous oxide containers and attached tubing, according to TMZ.

Wow, I can hardly believe it! I actually got to sing with Rascal Flatts, as I shared on YouTube in May 2020. Since my initial audition, a lot has happened. Right now, I’m busy putting together an album!

Thirty-two-year-old Kiker, along with Valerie Cook, was the proud father of two little girls. Sister Faith Evans, taking to Facebook in the afternoon on Wednesday, shared the sad news of his passing. Responding to those who expressed interest in aiding the family, she updated later in the day.

“[A]s this was completely unexpected we are completely unprepared and are gonna need a little help getting him home from denver colorado and being able to give the memorial that not only he but anyone deserves,” Evans wrote Wednesday night, referring people to a GoFundMe that has since earned more than the amount that was sought. She apologized for her delay in responding, saying to “charge it to our mind not our hearts.”

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2025-03-17 22:36