America’s Got Talent Season 21 act Jesse White Tumblers is mourning the recent death of one of their team members, Jeff Williams. He was tragically killed in a crash last week while riding his motorcycle, one day before the group’s AGT audition aired.
AGT Act Jesse White Tumblers Mourns Team Member
Last week, Jesse White Tumblers team member Jeff Williams was killed when the motorcycle he was riding collided with a car in Mundelein, Illinois. Williams was reportedly thrown from the motorcycle and died at the scene.
Williams passed away one day before his team’s audition aired on AGT Season 21. The team, which has been coached by 92-year-old Jesse White since 1959, impressed the judges enough to move on in the competition.
A statement from White was posted on the group’s Instagram account last week. He shared, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Jeff Williams. Jeff was a cherished member of the Jesse White Tumbling Team and a dedicated employee in the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. He was a kind, hardworking young man who touched many lives and deeply loved his family.”
White expressed his “heartfelt condolences” for Williams’ family and friends, adding, “He will always be a part of the Jesse White Tumbling Team family, and he will be deeply missed.”
According to the Chicago Tribune, Jeff Williams was a member of the Jesse White Tumblers for over 20 years. His high-flying acrobatic moves earned him the nickname “Superman.” Williams leaves behind four children.
Williams’ tumbling coach and friend Emmanuel McGhee shared that the team intends to dedicate their next AGT performance to him. As McGhee said of the team’s success on the show, “I think he (would) want us to go to the next round.”
“He was just so kind to all of the youngsters; he poured into their lives in a very positive way,” McGhee said. “Jeff will always be remembered for his infectious smile, his high energy, his positive energy.”
Did you enjoy the Jesse White Tumblers’ audition on AGT last week? Let us know in the comments below.
Words by:
Jill O'Rourke Jill O’Rourke is a contributor at Talent Recap, writing news stories and recaps for shows like ‘AGT,’ ‘The Voice,’ and ‘American Idol.’ She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and Film Studies, and has been writing about pop culture since 2012, with previous bylines at Crushable and A Plus. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit
