Quindon Tarver, who played a choirboy in Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet and worked with musicians like Monica and Brandy, died in a car crash on April 1 at the age of 38.
“He had an accident—all we know is he had a wreck, crashed into a wall somewhere on George Bush [Turnpike],” Tarver’s uncle, Willie Tarver, told The Daily Beast. “That’s all the information I have.”
Just wow…lost for words this hurts ???????? RIP Quindon Tarver pic.twitter.com/Qus2qHYHm5
— Blanco Tarantino TV (@BlancoTarantino) April 2, 2021
Luhrmann went to social media to pay tribute to the artist.
"A beautiful soul has passed, my thoughts are with Quindon Tarver's family and loved ones," the director wrote on Instagram Monday.
Born in McKinney, Texas, in 1982, the child star started singing in church choirs at age 4.
"I started singing in my grandfather's church," the artist said in a 2017 with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. "He was the pastor."
As a 12-year-old, the talented entertainer appeared in the video for Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.” He also signed with Virgin Records, The Dallas Morning News reported.
"I realized from a young age that this was what I wanted to do," the 38-year-old said in 2017. "I liked the way that people were moved by it, how it affected them. I would see the effect on them when I would sing and it just amazed me."
The Texas native was recording his debut album, Quindon, when he was asked to audition for Romeo + Juliet in 1996. Tarver's talent was on full display in the film as he performed covers of Prince’s “When Doves Cry” and Rozalla’s “Everybody’s Free. ” The songs were then featured in the double platinum soundtrack to the movie.
Also in 1996, the child star released his first album, which included the hit single, “It’s You That’s On My Mind.” As a 14-year-old, Tarver went on tour with singers Brandy and Monica. He returned to his home in Texas a short time later. The musician is also remembered for his performance on seasons two and seven of American Idol.
Performing at a tribute for Prince in 2016, Tarver sang “When Doves Cry.” In 2020, he released a single, “Stand Our Ground.”
In his interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the musician opened up about his struggles with drug addiction.
"I put myself in rehab and I stayed there for a month. I made up my mind that I was not gonna come out of those doors that miserable person that walked in," he said. "I have not looked back. I'm back into my music and I think my passion is stronger than ever."
His uncle, Kevin Tarver, said the singer had big plans ahead.
“He had been through so much,” Kevin said. “But his focus was on his music. He was getting ready to make his comeback. He had been in the studio working on a project that was supposed to be released this year.”
