American Idol star Doug Kiker’s cause of death has been revealed, after his shock death at age 32 last month.

The singer died from an opioid overdose, according to the City and County of Denver Medical Examiner’s report, as per TMZ.

His death has been ruled as accidental, caused by the toxic interaction of fentanyl, methadone, and amphetamines, and recent cocaine use. 

The singer died in March 2025. At the time it was reported that Kiker had been taken to the hospital after a stranger grew concerned over his appearance upon passing him on the street in Denver.

The report claims Kiker apparently looked so worrying walking around the street by himself that the good Samaritan felt compelled to alert authorities.

Kiker – who appeared on the 18th season of American Idol – was transported to the hospital, where he died five days later. 

American Idol star Doug Kiker’s cause of death has been revealed, after his shock death at age 32. The singer died from an opioid overdose; pictured in 2019

Kiker – who was also known as ‘The Singing Garbage Man’ – previously appeared on the singing competition show during its 18th season and auditioned with Rascal Flatts’ Bless the Broken Road. 

His ex-fiancée Valerie Cook confirmed his death, as well as family members including his sister Angela and brother William.

In a post on social media, Angela heartbreakingly revealed that Kiker’s passing was ‘unexpected’ and his loved ones were ‘completely unprepared.’

A GoFundMe page has also been made to help with the ‘difficult task of bringing him home and covering funeral expenses.’

Doug was also father to two children that he shared with Valerie – and she told TMZ that she ‘hates’ that their daughters have lost their father.

Angela penned an emotional post on social media as she confirmed her brother’s death and penned she was ‘reaching out because a lot of people have reached out and asked how they could help…’

‘As this was completely unexpected we are completely unprepared and are gonna need a little help getting him home from denver colorado and being able to give the memorial that not only he but anyone deserves.’

She then expressed her gratitude for the ‘calls’ and ‘messages’ she has received, as well as the ‘continued prayers at his very difficult time.

His death has been ruled as accidental, caused by the toxic interaction of fentanyl, methadone, and amphetamines, and recent cocaine use, according to TMZ

The singer died in March 2025. His ex-fiancée Valerie Cook confirmed his death, as well as family members including his sister Angela and brother William

Following his death it was reported that Kiker had been taken to the hospital after a stranger grew concerned over his appearance upon passing him on the street in Denver

Doug was also father to two children that he shared with Valerie – and she told TMZ that she ‘hates’ that their daughters have lost their father

In a post on social media, Angela heartbreakingly revealed that Kiker’s passing was ‘unexpected’ and his loved ones were ‘completely unprepared’

The music artist’s brother William also shared on Facebook, ‘Dear brother I just want you to know that know matter where you are you will always be my baby brother’

‘Lord know we have been threw so much these past few years! Douglas Kiker you will live forever in our hearts. I miss you soooo.’

The music artist’s brother William also shared on Facebook, ‘Dear brother I just want you to know that know matter where you are you will always be my baby brother.’

He movingly added, ‘I just wish I had more time with you so until I can see you again say hey to bubba for me and tell him I love him rest in peace Douglas Kiker my baby brother.’

A message also read: ‘Help Us Lay Our Loved One to Rest It is with heavy hearts that we have to say goodbye to one of the most sincere souls and most hilarious person of all. Douglas, a beloved son, brother, father and friend.’

‘We are now left with the difficult task of bringing him home and covering funeral expenses. We are reaching out for help to honor Douglas’s memory and give him a proper farewell.’

The end of the description included, ‘Any contribution, no matter the amount, will go directly to the funeral costs and allow us to navigate this difficult time without the added financial burden.

‘Thank you for your love, support, and generosity during this incredibly difficult time. we greatly appreciate each and everyone of yall.’

Back in 2020, Kiker first appeared on American Idol during its 18th season as he auditioned in front of the judges and sang Bless the Broken Road by the Rascal Flatts.

His performance earned him a standing ovation from the judges and notably brought Katy Perry to tears.

Kiker – who was also known as ‘The Singing Garbage Man’ – previously appeared on the singing competition show during its 18th season 

In 2021 – one year after competing on American Idol – Kiker was arrested for domestic violence 

However, he did not make it past Hollywood week where he sang Ain’t No Mountain High Enough after initially performing the wrong song.

‘I just don’t want to let my family down… I’ve been a good man my whole life,’ he had stated at the time.

Although Doug did not make it to the Top 20, he said about his last performance amid the competition, ‘I think I did pretty well for it being my first time.’

In 2021 – one year after competing on American Idol – Kiker was arrested for domestic violence, TMZ had reported.

At the time, he had been taken into police custody in the state of Alabama after being involved in a domestic violence incident.

Doug was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence and sat in jail on a $1,000 bond.

The singer had been taken into custody after officers responded to reports of domestic violence between Kiker and an unnamed woman – who made the call to 911.