‘American Idol’ Alum Pays Tribute After Bandmate’s Tragic Passing: ‘My Heart is Truly Broken’

Country singer Alex Miller is mourning the tragic death of his band’s drummer, Mark Laws. The season 19 “American Idol” alum paid tribute to his bandmate via social media on May 27, 2025, revealing how heartbroken he is over the musician’s passing.

“My heart is truly broken at the passing of my drummer Mark Laws,” Miller wrote on a post with multiple photos of Laws playing with his band. “My grandad once told me that you’ll have lots of friends in your life, but finding a try friend is something that is rare and special. My grandad was a true friend, and so was Mark Laws. His loss to me is devastating. Please pray for his family for me. 🙏”

Officials Say Alex Miller’s Bandmate, Mark Laws, Died After Being Shot

Miller did not share any details about Laws’ death, but according to The Tennessean, Laws was shot on May 25 in Cumberland Gap — a mountain pass located near the point where Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia meet.

Claiborne County Sheriff Bob Brooks told WRIL-FM that Laws’ 25-year-old stepson, Maxwell Madon, has been arrested and charged with criminal homicide. According to Citizen Tribune, the shooting happened at a home where Madon lived with his grandparents. After Madon assaulted his grandfather, the outlet reported, Laws arrived to intervene but was shot in the process and pronounced dead at the scene. He was 62.

Laws spent the last five years as drummer and band leader for Miller’s touring band, per The Tennessean. But he was also beloved by other musicians he played with over the years, including Little Jimmy Dickens, Bill Carlilse, Larry Cordle and Pam Perry.

Kentucky singer Stephanie Bastin also paid tribute to Laws on Instagram, writing that she, too, was “so heartbroken at the loss of my dear friend Mark Laws.”

Noting the many places where he’d played drums for her, Bastin shared, “Mark was a good dude. He was like family. Genuine. Good hearted. Prayers for all his friends, family, and bandmates. This is a huge loss for so many. Mark was currently the drummer for Alex Miller. 💔”

Alex Miller Has Experienced Success & Tragedy Since His ‘American Idol’ Journey

Miller’s career took off right after he was on “American Idol” in 2021. The judges loved the 17-year-old’s sound and charisma, but when Miller didn’t heed their advice and try a non-country tune during Hollywood Week, he didn’t make the Top 24 cut.

Nevertheless, he’d already made a big impression viewers and on judge Luke Bryan, who later FaceTimed with Miller to invite him to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, a dream come true for the teen.

After the show, Miller quickly secured a management team and signed with Nashville-based Billy Jam Records, according to his website. He has since released three albums and is frequently on the road with his band, opening for a bevy of well-known country artists, including Drake Milligan and King Calaway. In the spring of 2025, he released a new single, “The Byrd,” featuring country legend Tracy Byrd.

Miller’s loss of his drummer isn’t his band’s first brush with tragedy. In February 2024, a car collided with his tour bus in Kentucky and the car’s driver was killed. Miller was not injured in the crash, nor were his bandmates, according to a statement posted to his Instagram account. But they were all shaken up by the tragedy and will now need to come to grips with another tragedy one year later.