Quindon Tarver, Romeo + Juliet child star, dies aged 38

Child star and singer Quindon Tarver has tragically died in a car accident in Texas aged just 38, a family member confirmed.

Best known for his performance as a choir boy in Australian director Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 film 'Romeo + Juliet', Quindon died after his car crashed into a wall on the President George Bush Turnpike in Dallas early Friday.

Quindon was born in McKinney, Texas on August 4, 1982, and actually started out singing in church choirs.

He eventually starred in the 90s classic, performing covers of Prince’s 'When Doves Cry' and Rozalla’s 'Everybody’s Free'.

Both songs were part of the movie's soundtrack album, which sold over 2 million copies. And in 2016, he was actually invited to sing the song 'When Doves Cry' at a Prince tribute in Los Angeles.

After that he was also part of the video for Madonna's hit 'Like a Prayer' and appeared on two seasons of American Idol.

His uncle, Kevin Tarver, paid tribute to Quindon, while speaking to the Daily Beast: "He was a loving nephew, he loved everybody, believed in being straightforward. He loved music since he was young, and singing eventually took him all around the world. That was his passion.”

The singer released his only album, Quindon, in 1996, but last October he released the single 'Stand Our Ground' to protest police brutality.

In 2019, he publicly came out as a member of the LGBTQI community in an Instagram post, writing: “Never stand in the shadows when you belong in the light!!!”

He had previously spoken about his struggles with drugs and alcohol, and suicidal thoughts, claiming in a 2017 interview with the ABC that his career stalled after he spoke out about being sexually abused as a child in the music industry.

If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline on 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

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