Nathaniel O'Brien, who starred in the Australian version of The X Factor last year, has passed away at the age of 19. The singer was killed in a car crash on Sunday morning while driving on Barrier Highway, two hours north of Adelaide.
His vehicle crashed into a tree and Nathaniel tragically died at the scene. South Australia Police confirmed that the teenager was the only person in the car at the time, and no one else was involved in the accident.
Just hours before, Nathaniel had taken to the stage at the Burra Country Music Festival, and he was due to perform at an Adelaide hotel later that evening.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Nathaniel O’Brien - our hearts go out to the whole O’Brien family....
Posted by The X Factor - Australia on Sunday, 8 November 2015
Nathaniel O'Brien competed in last year's The X Factor in Australia
After his family were informed, Australian country entertainer Gina Timms spoke to local press on their behalf.
"His family were totally shocked and devastated when the news was delivered to them on Sunday," said Gina, local paper The Advertiser reports.
"My heart just goes out to them. It was the saddest thing to watch, to see a police officer come and tell his parents they had lost their boy in a car accident.
"Nathaniel was a very talented young man who had a lot of respect, particularly in the country music industry and last year being on X Factor certainly boosted his profile for people who didn't know him to fall in love with his heavenly voice."
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Posted by Nathaniel O'Brien Music on Friday, 15 May 2015
The teenager died on Sunday after being involved in a car crash
The Australian TV show also paid tribute to the late star, who made it through to boot camp.
A message posted on Facebook read: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Nathaniel O'Brien – our hearts go out to the whole O'Brien family. Nathaniel's beautiful voice won him many fans, he was truly talented and a beautiful young man. Much love from The X Factor family. X."
On Monday night's show Dannii Minogue struggled to hold back tears as she told the audience and viewers at home: "I want to send our love out to Nathaniel O'Brien and his family. Unfortunately, he passed yesterday. [He was] a beautiful person, a beautiful singer and such a beautiful soul."