It’s a sad day, as tragedy has hit home for The X Factor Australia.
Former contestant Nathaniel O’Brien has been killed in a high-speed car accident in rural South Australia at age 19. His Ford sedan was found crashed into a tree on the Barrier Highway south of his hometown of Burra. The crash reportedly occurred at around 11am Sunday. Earlier in the weekend, Nathaniel had played at the Burra Country Music Festival and was due to play at the Tea Tree Gully Hotel the night of his death.
Fans of The X Factor will remember Nathaniel as the 18-year-old country singer who earned a spot at judges’ houses for mentor Natalie Bassingthwaighte in the 2014 season. His audition of “Heaven Knows” by Rick Price was a highlight of the audition phase, and although he didn’t make the live shows, he remained active in the local South Australia music scene after the show. Nathaniel had even gone on to some acclaim within that music scene, earning a place as a finalist in the Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards, which will be held in January.
Credit: Channel 7 / 9News
In back-to-back tweets, Bassingthwaighte expressed her sadness over the loss of such a tremendous talent:
My heart goes out to Nathaniel O'briens family after hearing of his tragic passing. What a spectacular young man with the voice of an angel
— Nat Bassingthwaighte (@nataliebassing) November 8, 2015
We meet people for a reason, a season or a lifetime.. We learn, we laugh, we cry, we love…. X https://t.co/4GKmtS0PYM
— Nat Bassingthwaighte (@nataliebassing) November 8, 2015
X Factor Australia host Luke Jacobz added his condolences on Twitter as well:
Ex XFactor contestant Nathaniel O'Brien sadly passed today. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this sad time.
— Luke Jacobz (@lukejacobz) November 8, 2015
The crash is currently under investigation by law enforcement. However, this is a tragedy any way you cut it. Nathaniel was a genuine talent, and the world deserved to hear him.
Our condolences are with Nathaniel’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
