Tonight on a new episode of American Idol fans got to meet Freddie McClendon who sang a song for his dad, Davis McClendon, who died. So how did Freddie’s dad die in a wreck? Keep reading for the details.
Freddie McClendon’s Dad’s Story
It was revealed that in 2023, Freddie’s dad died in a car accident. He said that his mom woke him and his sister up to tell them their dad, Davis McClendon, had died. At first, it sounded like an accident, but it turns out that wasn’t the case. Instead, they think that someone hit him on purpose. He died in May of 2023 at the age of 46. They found his body lying near the car, but not inside of it. It sounds like he was actually outside of the car when he was hit and it wasn’t a hit-and-run accident.
This has even been a story on 48 Hours. There was an oil stain and footprints near the wreck. He had been on the phone before it happened but never got back on the phone. It then prompted them to go and check his location, and that is when his body was found. It sounds like someone allegedly ran him over while standing outside of his vehicle.
The oil stain made them go find Bud Ackerman at his parent’s house. He was the one who allegedly hit Freddie’s dad, and he ended up going to jail for 45 years after being found guilty. This was the estranged husband of the woman he had been on a date with earlier that night and also on the phone with right before he got hit by the car.
Freddie’s Audition On American Idol
Freddie McClendon wants his dad to be remembered for his life, not his death. He sang an original song and did a great job on his audition. Check it out below. He also did get that golden ticket. It was a very emotional audition.
Freddie started writing music seriously about a year ago when his dad died. He said everyone was focused on his death, but he didn’t want to do that. Instead, he wanted to tell the story of his life. Freddie explained that his dad was more than the true crime story of the week. His song was about his dad.
Have you heard the story of Freddie McClendon’s dad who had a wreck and died? Sound off in the comments below and don’t miss new episodes of American Idol on Sunday nights on ABC.
Mandy Robinson has been a freelance writer for 10 years now. Her passion is writing reality television. Mandy loves being able to work at home and make a living by writing about crazy reality television scandals.