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Former reality TV contestant Haley Smith dies aged 26 in motorcycle crash

A 26-year-old contestant from a popular American talent show has died after a motorcycle accident.

Haley Smith appeared on American Idol in 2012, putting her unique twist on the classic song, ‘Tell Me Something Good’, by Rufus and Chaka Khan.

Just months away from her 27th birthday, Smith crashed her motorcycle early morning (local time) on Saturday in Maine and was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation into the one-vehicle accident is pending, but Chief Medical Examiner confirmed to Explore Entertainment “she failed to negotiate a sharp turn and crashed”.

Haley Smith, a former American Idol contestant in the US, has died in a motorcycle crash. She is pictured in stills here on season 11 of the reality TV show.
Haley Smith blew the judges away on the US version of American Idol in season 11 when she sang ‘Tell Me Something Good’ (pictured). Source: American Idol/Albert Makalew

Her dad, Mike, told TMZ he believed a deer might have caused the accident as she was a good rider who would not lose control of her bike.

Although Smith didn’t make it past the second round of the 11th season of the singing show, she left an impact on the judges with judge Steven Tyler describing hearing her performance as an “honour” because she was “right out of my era" with her look, sound and vibe.

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