Freddie McClendon's father, Davis McClendon, died on May 7, 2023, after being hit by a vehicle in what initially appeared to be a hit-and-run accident. His body was found about 50 feet from his wrecked car late at night in Greenwood, South Carolina

. However, further investigation revealed that Davis was intentionally struck. Authorities traced oil stains and tire tracks from the scene to the home of Bud Ackerman, the estranged husband of Davis's girlfriend Meredith Haynie. Ackerman's truck showed damage consistent with hitting a person, and he was charged with Davis's murder

. In 2024, after a trial, Bud Ackerman was found guilty of deliberately killing Davis McClendon and was sentenced to 45 years in prison without parole eligibility

. Freddie McClendon, a contestant on American Idol, honored his late father with an original song during his audition aired in March 2025. The song focused on celebrating his father's life rather than the tragedy of his death, moving the judges and viewers emotionally

. Freddie described his father as a wonderful person who meant everything to him and expressed how the case had become a national true-crime story, but for him, it was about remembering his dad's life and legacy