Phillips was widely liked in the Chicago fire department
The first Black firefighter to win “America’s Got Talent” has died at the age of 30.
Jay Jay Phillips beat a field of 48 competitors in 2008 and famously dropped in on Black Eyed Peas during the final act of his performance.
Illinois state police said he was one of four people killed when their car crashed into a tree on Sunday.
His sister Crystal donated Jay Jay’s organs, so that he saved the lives of seven people.
Phillips was born in 1977 in Bridgeport, Illinois. He joined the Lake Zurich Park District in 2007, then became a member of the Lake Zurich Fire Department in 2008.
His sister Crystal said on Facebook that his organs helped seven people by transplanting “worthless organs into people they love”.
“We are grateful to be able to share that this man took care of and cared for his brothers and sisters in the cause of saving their lives,” she said.
A charity in his name, Jay Jay’s Organ Foundation, raises money for organ donation.
Along with watching Jay Jay perform on stage in 2008, his family would draw inspiration from him.
Crystal said in a 2010 blog post that he had never met his most adored aunt, but that she was watching one of his videos on YouTube.
She said her brother called and told her that the aunt texted a picture of her reading out the results of his first audition on TV.
“The truth is, he never wanted to meet my aunt, but what really made him that much more proud was knowing my aunt felt what I felt, that he was loved and was appreciated,” she wrote.
Celebrities, fans and fellow firefighters have paid tribute to Phillips on social media.
“Your sacrifice and contributions in life can never be forgotten,” said Chicago Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago.
“That legacy will live on.”