Alex Miller, a former contestant on “American Idol” Season 19, and his band were involved in a car crash in Rockcastle County, Kentucky, on the evening of February 13, 2024.
The collision, which occurred just before 10:30 p.m., involved their tour bus and another vehicle, resulting in the death of the latter’s driver.
Miller, who has risen to fame as a country music artist since his appearance on the television series, was returning from a vacation in Florida. This trip was part of promotional activities for his new single “Oh, Odessa,” which was released on the same day as the accident. The 20-year-old singer, who was not the driver, and his band members were unharmed.
The other vehicle, a Toyota RAV4, driven by 53-year-old James M. Mcpheron of Mount Vernon, Kentucky, reportedly lost control, veering into the path of Miller’s tour bus. He was transported to Rockcastle Regional Hospital by the Rockcastle EMS team, where he was later pronounced dead. The Kentucky State Police are investigating the cause of Mcpheron’s loss of control, with no charges filed yet.
Following the accident, Miller issued a statement on social media, extending his condolences to Mcpheron’s family and confirming that no one on the bus sustained injuries. The bus passengers though had to leave the bus through a window after the crash, since the door was cracked.
Since his time on the show, Miller has been active in the country music scene, having signed with Nashville-based Billy Jam Records.
Miller, a native of Kentucky, gained fame in 2021 following his participation in the popular singing contest. During a notable episode, he captivated the judges—Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Katy Perry—with his performance of Jimmy Martin’s “Freeborn Man.”
While Miller advanced to the competition’s “Hollywood Week,” he fell short of reaching the Top 24. Fellow country artist Chayce Beckham eventually claimed the title.
