[ad_1]
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.
Madison Taylor (pictured) 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
In a Facebook post, McCain asked for prayers for his family and to respect their family’s privacy during this tragic time. The brother and sister are pictured together
Search crews out looking for the young woman before nightfall hits
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 transported to the Rhea County Medical Examiner’s Office.
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.
Drake Taylor, was 17, when he first on American Idol. He went under the stage name Drake McCain, and was a contestant on Season 17 and Season 19 of the show
Taylor pictured here on the basketball court
McCain posted a clip of his sister in a 2019 performance singing the Beyonce song, ‘I was here’
On Thursday, McCain posted a clip of a May 2019 performance of his sister singing the Beyonce song, ‘I was here.’
He wrote ‘Oh my precious baby sister! My only sibling that I could get to sing with me. We worked on this song for days and she was so excited yet so nervous to perform it, but as always my twin killed it! I miss and love you so much sissy and would trade places with you in a heart beat.’
Taylor was also described as a standout athlete, who excelled at basketball, volleyball and track and field.
A community member posted a photo of the young athlete running track & field and remembering her amazing spirit.
‘Please remember the Rhea County/Spring City community and particularly the family/friends of former Lady Eagle basketball, track & field, and volleyball standout Madison Taylor,’ they said.
Taylor was attending Union College in Kentucky. She had been a member of the school’s basketball and track teams and was on the Dean’s list. She was also a member of the Spring City United Methodist Church, The Chattanoogan.com reported.
She is survived by her parents, Courtney McArthur Swafford, Courtney ‘Coco’ Taylor, and eight siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and many cousins
A private funeral is schedule for Saturday, the news outlet reported.
A GoFundMe set up to help the family with funeral expenses.
‘This account is to help the family of Madison (Maddie) Taylor with burial expenses after her tragic passing on May 30th, Leslie and Curtis Phillips wrote.
‘If you cannot donate money, please pray for the family and friends of this beautiful soul that was taken too soon!,’ they said.
As of Thursday night $19,215 has been raised exceeding their goal of $19,000.
[ad_2]
Source link
