Hundreds of fans have been left shocked and utterly sad after a young and fast rising singer dies in a tragic crash.
Nathaniel O'Brien
19-year-old Nathaniel O'Brien, who starred on the Australian version of the talent show, X Factor, last year, has been reported dead after his car hit a tree around 11:00am on Sunday just hours after performing at a country music festival.
According to Mirror Online, the singer was driving on Barrier Highway, two hours north of Adelaide, and tragically died on the scene.
The scene of the unfortunate incident
According to local reports, Nathaniel had performed at Burra Country Music Festival just hours before, and was due to perform again that evening in an Adelaide hotel.
South Australia Police have confirmed the teen was the only person in the car at the time. According to reports, the festival was cancelled after organisers - including Nathaniel's family, were informed of his death.
Tributes have continued to pour in for the young star on social media, as family and friends react to the shock news.
Nathaniel O'Brien
Australian country entertainer, Gina Timms spoke to The Advertiser to pay a touching tribute. “His family were totally shocked and devastated when the news was delivered to them on Sunday,” she said.
Meanwhile country music radio host Wally Sparrow added: "It's just so sad, I can't believe it. He had the whole world ahead of him. He had an amazing voice. He was an amazing talent and he won almost everything he went in."
Nathaniel shot to fame on the show, and made it to boot camp in 2014's talent show which aired on Channel Seven - winning a session with host and singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte. He also previously won Adelaide's Next Superstar in 2012.