Former American Idol contestant Marque Lynche was found dead in his Harlam apartment on Sunday. The cause of death has not yet been determined, but the New York medical examiner has deemed the death “suspicious.”
Lynch, who was just 34, was discovered by his roommate around 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. According to the New York Daily News, police said there was no apparent trauma to his body, and no suicide note or pills were discovered.
In addition to being a former semi-finalist on American Idol season 3, Marque “Tate” Lynche was a former Mouseketeer member of the All New Mickey Mouse Club. The show launched the careers of such superstar musicians and actors Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Ryan Gosling, and Justin Timberlake.
Despite his undeniable talent as a singer, Lynche didn’t make the Top 12 on American Idol season 3, which was later won by Fantasia Barrino. His brother, Michael Lynche, competed on the following season of American Idol and made it all the way to the Top 4.
Following his stint on American Idol and the death of his mother, Lynche decided to pursue other interests and “do some soul searching,” according to the Daily News. However, he continued to enjoy making music and occasionally performing, and reportedly was working on eventually putting out an album.
We are sad to see such a wonderfully talented young man gone far too soon. Our hearts go out to his friends and family at this tragic time.