Former 'American Idol' finalist Caleb Kennedy charged with DUI after fatal crash

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (TCD) -- A 17-year-old former "American Idol" contestant was arrested this week after he allegedly drove into a building, injuring and ultimately killing a man in the process.

South Carolina Highway Patrol Master Trooper Mitchell Ridgeway told WYFF-TV that Caleb Andrew Kennedy was charged with felony driving under the influence resulting in death.

WSPA-TV reports Kennedy was reportedly driving northbound on W. Murph Road on Feb. 8 at approximately 12:30 p.m. when he made his way into a private driveway and crashed into a building.

According to WSPA, 54-year-old Larry Duane Parris was outside the building when Kennedy allegedly hit him. Parris was reportedly pushed into the building in the impact. Both men were reportedly transported to a nearby hospital, and Parris died from his injuries.

USA Today reports Kennedy was denied bond Wednesday, Feb. 9.

Kennedy appeared on Season 19 of "American Idol" and made it to the top five before dropping out. He ran into controversy after a photo emerged of him sitting next to someone who was wearing what reportedly looked like a Ku Klux Klan hood, according to USA Today.

WYFF reports he wrote on social media at the time he dropped out of the show, "There was a video that surfaced on the internet and it displayed actions that were not meant to be taken in that way. I was younger and did not think about the actions, but that’s not an excuse. I wanna say sorry to all my fans and everyone who I have let down."

His statement continued, "I’ll be taking a little time off social media to better myself, but saying that, I know this has hurt and disappointed a lot of people and made people lose respect for me. I’m so sorry! I pray that I can one day regain your trust in who I am and have [your] respect. Thank you for supporting me."

Kennedy was booked into the Spartanburg County Jail. His next court date is scheduled for April 14.

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