American Idol star tragically dies in car crash aged 31
Sad news
Last updated 1st Feb 2018
Former American Idol star Leah LaBelle and her NBA player husband Rasual Butler have tragically died following a car crash in America.
According to reports, Rasual was driving the couple's Land Rover, when the car collided with the kerb causing it to flip twice before coming to a stop in a car park.
E! News are reporting that the fatal crash took place in California in the early hours of Wednesday morning, with Leah and Rasual both being pronounced dead at the scene.
Since the new tragic news broke, musicians and fans across the world have been paying tribute to the couple, including pop megastar Pharrell Williams.
Sharing a photo of the pair to his Instagram page, Pharrell wrote, '@leahlabelle , your spirit was just as your voice; beautiful. Moments like these leave us with so many questions. What I don’t question is how much you loved God, how much you love your life partner and where you guys are now. Sing Sis, sing. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾' sic
The Voice UK judge Jennifer Hudson also paid her respects to Leah. Taking to social media, Jennifer wrote, '@leahlabelle it broke my heart , when I heard the news ! The world lost a shining star ! My prayers and thoughts are with your family ! Rest In Peace. sic
Leah appeared on the popular American talent show back in 2004. Despite finishing in twelfth place on the show, Leah impressed judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson at her audition and throughout the competition.
In tribute to Leah, bosses of the show posted an emotional message to the official American Idol Twitter to break the news. The message read, 'Our hearts go out to the family, friends and many fans of our former Idol Leah LaBelle and her husband Rasual Butler, who passed away early this morning. May they rest in peace ❤️' sic
A number of other celebrities have paid their tributes to Leah and Rasual, including the likes of Jo.Jo, Ice Cube and LA Lakers player Reggie Miller.
See the tributes below:
Our thoughts go out to Leah and Rasual's families at this sad time.