BREAKING: Beloved TV Hollywood Actor Suddenly Dies... Fans Shocked This week, the tragic news broke that American Idol Season 2 finalist Rickey Smith had been killed by a drunk driver. Smith competed on the second season of American Idol back in 2003, ultimately finishing in eighth place. After the show closed, he spent years in Los Angeles determined to start his singing career. I almost had an album. I had some good people around me, Smith told USA Today in 2008. I wasnt ready to accept the fact that I had to come back and give up music. Ive made peace with it, but its still frustrating. Smith worked as a teacher after pausing his music career. According to reports, Smith was killed in a multi-car highway crash in Oklahoma at around 3 am on Friday morning. The crash occurred on I-240, where the former singer was driving an Accord. He was hit by a drunk driver driving the wrong way, slamming into his vehicle head-on. The driver has been identified a 27-year-old Gerardo Cerda Jr. He survived the crash and was transferred to the local hospital, and has since been booked on drunk driving charges. Smith was only 36 at the time of his death. Suffice it to say my heart is truly breaking today, Clay Aiken, who competed against smith on American Idol, tweeted. Heavens choir has a new beautiful voice. I love you and will miss you, Rickey. Will you pray for Smiths family and friends during this difficult time/ 