Kate Cook Former ‘Australian Idol’ Found Dead in Woods at Age 36

Kate Cook, a contestant on “Australian Idol,” was found dead in the woods on March 4, 2019, near her home in Queensland, Australia. She was 36 years old, and a cause of death was not announced.

At 7:20 p.m. ACST on March 3 police were called by Cook’s friends telling them the former Idol contestant had wandered off, and they were worried about her state of mind. Police continued searching and at 6:00 a.m. found her body in the bushland.

Cook’s audition song  on the show was an original titled “Make You Stay.” She dedicated it to her mother who committed suicide two days before she turned 17 years old.

Cook told the judges Kyle Sandilands, Marcia Hines, and Ian Dickson that she was with her younger sister when she discovered her mother dead. She continued telling them her mother killed herself and it was difficult, especially since it was two days before her turning 17.

She admitted being lost a long time after the death of her mother, and music saved her. Cook told the Queensland Times that her mother helped her develop a love for music and she taught her the guitar at age 10.

She admitted that it was difficult for her to accept the success granted while on the show. After she left, she felt she was alone, and no longer had the support network she gained while being a contestant.

Cook had some success in country music after leaving the show, having made it to the top 6. She also steadily toured bars and clubs throughout Australia.

Written by Barbara Sobel

Sources:

People: Former Australian Idol Star Kate Cook, 36, Found Dead a Day After Being Reported Missing
Nine: Former ‘Australian Idol’ contestant Kate Cook found dead near her hometown in Queensland
Radar Online: Former ‘Australian Idol’ Star Kate Cook Found Dead In Woods 1 Day After Going Missing

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