Doug Kiker GoFundMe launched by family as singer nicknamed “The Singing Garbage Man” from American Idol passes away

Doug Kiker, better known by his moniker "The Signing Garbage man" has passed away. The 32-year-old singer appeared on the 18th season of American Idol, and won the hearts of the three judges, notably Katy Perry. The death of Kiker, whose raw talent and gifted voice moved the "Dark Horse" singer to tears, was confirmed by his family on Facebook.

His sister's, Donna Kiker Carillos-Ramirez and Angela Evans released posts confirming his death:

"It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of my brother Douglas Kiker. He was so 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.” Evans wrote.

Carillos-Ramirez also posted, saying:

"Today I got the call that no one wants to get. We lost an amazing person today. 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.”

His older brother William, also shared a tribute:

"Dear brother I just want you to know that know matter where you are you will always be my baby brother I know you are finally at piece I just wish I had more time with you so until I can see you again say hey to bubba for me and tell him I love him rest in peace Douglas Kiker my baby brother.”

The sisters have also launched a GoFundMe to finance the expenses of his funeral.

Help Us Lay Our Loved One to Rest 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.

The post further reads:

"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.

More about the life and career of Doug Kiker

Doug Kiker was from Mobile, Alabama, where he worked as a garbage collector, leading to his popular nickname "The garbage man."

After impressing the judges with a rendition of Rascal Flatts' "Bless the Broken Road," he won a golden ticket to the next round, where he performed Marvin Gaye's "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" but was unfortunately eliminated.

Despite his short stay on American Idol, he managed to garner a lot of fanfare, so much so that he returned for a special performance of "Blessed the Broken Road" in the final.

Trending

In 2021, "The garbage man" was arrested and charged with third-degree domestic violence by a woman.

In his last post on Instagram in December 2022, he wrote that he was working on a new song. The cause of Doug Kiker's death has not yet been revealed. He is survived by his two daughters, whom he shared with ex-fiancé, Valerie Cook.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback