Last Friday, May 13, friends and family came together to celebrate the life of Rickey Smith. The American Idol season 2 singer was tragically killed on May 5 in a head-on car collision with a drunk driver.
A few days after the memorial service, Season 6 singer Melinda Doolittle, posted a photo of herself and some of Rickey’s fellow season 2 friends who had gathered to remember Rickey, including Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Julia Demato, Carmen Rasmusen, Vanessa Olivarez, and Charles Grigsby.
Melinda and Rickey got to know one another when they performed a private event together in 2011.
On the day of the memorial, Ruben tweeted a few of his thoughts, along with a photo of what looks like a program from the service.
I don’t think I remember a day in my adult life that I’ve cried this much. Rickey Smith I love you bro and I will miss you.
— Ruben Studdard (@RubenStuddard) May 13, 2016
Although Rickey’s sudden death is a huge loss, he leaves behind a beautiful legacy. In his short life he seems to have touched so many people with his optimism, kindness and ability to make people smile.
He also left behind two young children and if you’d like to help Rickey’s family meet expenses, there’s a Go Fund Me drive still going on. Click for more information.
