John Foster's friend, Maggie Dunn, tragically died in a car accident on New Year's Eve 2022. Maggie and another friend, Caroline Gill, were killed when a police officer from Addis, Louisiana, driving at high speed during a chase, ran a red light and collided with their vehicle. Maggie was driving, Caroline was in the passenger seat, and Maggie's brother, who was in the backseat, survived but with serious injuries. The police officer involved, David Cauthorn, pled guilty to two counts of manslaughter and was sentenced to 32 years in prison with 22 years suspended
. This tragedy deeply affected John Foster, who was 16 at the time. He channeled his grief into music, writing and performing the original song "Tell That Angel I Love Her" as a tribute to Maggie. His emotional performance on American Idol moved many, including the judges, and revealed a tender side of his voice. Carrie Underwood praised his traditional country style and heartfelt delivery during the tribute
. In summary, John Foster's friend Maggie Dunn died in a fatal car crash caused by a police chase incident, and John honors her memory through his music
