The NY Daily News reports that former Mousketeer Marque “Tate” Lynche, who appeared on American Idol as an adult, was found dead under suspicious circumstances in his Harlem apartment, authorities said Monday.
The 34-year-old star was discovered dead by his 44-year-old roommate at 4 p.m. at his apartment on W. 151 St. on Sunday, police said. There was no apparent trauma to his body, police said.
The death was deemed suspicious and the Medical Examiner was determining the cause, cops said.
“There was no note, no pills,” a police source said. “We’re waiting on the medical examiner.”
Lynche appeared on the 1993 to 1995 seasons of the “All New Mickey Mouse Club” with Britney Spears, Ryan Gosling, Justin Timberlake, and Christina Aguilera.
Following his stint on the star-launching show, Lynche performed as Simba in “The Lion King” on Broadway and then as Tyrone in a production of “Fame.”
“I am blessed to have a career where I can use the talent God gave me to put a smile on someone’s face,” the St. Petersburg, Fla., native wrote on his Facebook page.
In 2004, Lynche was a semi-finalist as a contestant in Season 3 of “American Idol,” but was eliminated before the top 12. Fantasia Barrino went on to win that season.
Lynche’s brother, Michael Lynche, a former college football player, competed in the show the following year and made it to the top four.
After Idol, Lynche took a break from the industry to “heal from the loss of his mother and do some soul searching,” according to his management profile.
The singer however, was releasing music as recently as September of last year, when he posted a link to his new song “Feeling Good” on his Facebook page.
In July of this year, he invited fans to come hear him sing at a Harlem church.
“I will be singing at Grace Church on 139th st. Between 7th and 8th this Sunday. If you’re in the area, I will be there singing my heart out! Hopefully, you can come share some love with me! –M,” he posted at the time.
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