Chris Polk/FilmMagicAmerican Idol season two finalist Rickey Smith was killed in a multi-car accident Friday in Oklahoma. He was 36.
Following his death, his past competitors Ruben Studdard, who won his season, and Clay Aiken, the runner-up, posted tributes to him online.
Local authorities said Smith died when a 27-year-old male driver drove his GMC pickup truck the wrong way on a highway near Oklahoma City and crashed into him, a police official told E! News. Smith, who was driving a Honda Accord, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The other driver was treated at a local hospital and then released into police custody. Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers believe he may have been under the influence of alcohol during the accident, NBC affiliate KFOR reported. No charges were filed as of Friday afternoon.
Smith came in eighth place during the second season of American Idol in 2003. Studdard, 37, paid tribute to him on his Instagram page.
"As I sit here in utter disbelief about the fact that you went to be with the Lord...I think back on all the fun times we had," he wrote. "How we set up for hours in our room in the Idol mansion talking and listening to music. How much fun we all had on our very first tour."
"You were the heart of our season and the true definition of a real friend," Studdard added. "I will miss you my Friend RIP Ricky Smith. I'm sure you're in heaven singing your heart out!!!"
Aiken, 37, also paid tribute to Smith on Twitter.
"Suffice it to say my heart is truly breaking today," he tweeted. "Heaven's choir has a new beautiful voice. I love you and will miss you, Rickey."
Smith had auditioned for American Idol in Nashville and performed Brian McKnight's "One Last Cry". After he was eliminated from the competition, he attempted to launch a music career in Los Angeles but later returned to home to Oklahoma. In 2008, he worked in a sports bar in Oklahoma City.
"I wasn't ready to accept the fact that I had to come back and give up music," Smith told USA Today at the time. "I've made peace with it, but it's still frustrating."
Oklahoma's home anyway," he added. "I'm a country boy."
Smith is one of several American Idol alumni who lost their lives over the past few years. Season seven finalists Michael Johns and Joanne Borgella both passed away in 2014. Season eight contestant Alexis Cohen died after being struck by a car in 2009.