‘American Idol’ alum Willie Spence’s family mourns late singer

Willie Spence’s heartbroken family said they will always miss their “gentle giant” but know he’s in heaven singing in the choir.

The “American Idol” Season 19 runner-up’s family addressed his tragic death during a press conference at his grandmother’s home in Florida on Wednesday, telling attendees that they are heartbroken over their loss.

“Willie was our gentle giant. He had such a soft demeanor but a very, very powerful voice,” Spence’s cousin Sabrena Cooper said.

“When he opened his mouth and lifted the Lord in song, many would just stop in their tracks to listen to him. Now Willie is in heaven, singing the lead in the heaven’s choir.”

Spence died in a car crash on Tuesday while driving on a Tennessee highway. He was just 23.

The singer was on his way to meet with an organization to fight against human trafficking, his family said.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol’s report later revealed that Spence veered off the road on an exit ramp and crashed into a tractor trailer that was parked on the shoulder.

While Spence, who was wearing a seatbelt, did not survive the accident, the driver of the tractor trailer was uninjured, the report stated.

“American Idol” released a statement of mourning after the news broke on Wednesday.

“We are devastated about the passing of our beloved ‘American Idol’ family member, Willie Spence,” the singing competition show said. “He was a true talent who lit up every room he entered and will be deeply missed. We send our condolences to his loved ones.”