Popular American Idol star Drake McCain took to social media to share the heartbreaking news that his 19-year-old sister drowned in a Tennessee lake late Monday night.
The young woman identified as Madison ‘Maddie’ Taylor had reportedly entered the water from a boat in the area of Watts Bar Lake to swim and did not surface, a Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) spokesperson said, ABC9 News reported.
The Rhea County Sheriff’s Office and multiple rescue agencies and dive teams were searching late Monday night above the dam in Rhea County for the teen.
Her body was recovered shortly after midnight on Tuesday, officials said.
In a Facebook post, McCain, 20, asked for prayers for his family and to respect their family’s privacy during this tragic time.
‘My beautiful baby sister… I have no words. Absolutely no words,’ he wrote. ‘I just want to hug you and kiss your precious face! I don’t know why GOD took you yet but I know you are in a better place smiling down on us. You inspired me and so many other people, and overall had the best heart there ever was.’
He continued: ‘We will never forget you, the memories, or that beautiful contagious smile. I love you so much, forever and always Bean. Until we meet again my precious baby sis!’
Drake Taylor, performed under the stage name Drake McCain. McCain is amiddle name.
The Spring City, Tennessee native was a contestant in Season 17 (March 2019) and Season 19, (February 2021) of American Idol before being eliminated.
At his Louisville audition, he sang the songs: ‘His Eye Is on the Sparrow’ and ‘Oh Happy Day’ by the Edwin Hawkins Singers,’ that impressed the judges and got him to the next round, American Idol Fandom reported.
Messages of condolences flooded social media honoring the young woman, who had so much promise, and expressing their messages of support and love to the McCain family.
‘My heart and prayers go out for the family, friends, community, and everyone mourning the loss of such a beloved young lady whose life ended really before having the chance to really flourish, one person wrote. ‘May her memory be as amazing as the beautifully spirited girl in the photo above.
