Maggie Dunn’s mother reacts to John Foster’s powerful “Idol” tribute — a deeply emotional message that speaks volumes. Discover the heartbreaking story behind the song that moved the American Idol audience to tears, and learn the truth about what happened to Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill — the devastating tragedy that inspired Foster’s unforgettable performance
Idol Contestant John Foster Debuts Deeply Personal Original
John Foster, hailing from Louisiana and currently an LSU student on track to become an oncologist, recently earned a spot in the Top 14 on this season of American Idol.
During the Top 20 round, Foster took a vulnerable turn by performing an original song he penned shortly after the tragic loss of a dear friend in 2022. Titled “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” the song was a heartfelt tribute born from grief and reflection.
Speaking to L&M Star Productions, Foster explained the inspiration behind the song:
“I wrote this for the two sweet angels that were tragically taken from us on New Year’s Eve. Maggie was one of my best friends, and Caroline was a good friend of mine who I wish I had gotten to know even better. Until we meet again. Sending love to everyone.”
The lyrics trace the pain of loss and the longing to send a final message of love through prayer. One moving section reads:
“Each tear that falls on my guitar
Is a hug from afar
Lord, won’t you tell that angel I love her?
As y’all live in the stars”
Watch the emotional performance below.
Maggie Dunn’s Mother Reacts to Foster’s Idol Tribute
Following the moving performance, Foster gestured toward the crowd to acknowledge Maggie Dunn’s mother, Erin Martin, who stood in quiet emotion. Holding her hands to her heart, she watched the tribute with tearful eyes, visibly moved by the moment on national television.
In a later interview with WBRZ, Erin Martin shared the emotional impact of the performance. “My heart just melted,” she said, her voice filled with gratitude and sorrow.
Martin recounted how John and Maggie had been friends since “middle school.” She even brought forth a photo of Maggie attending John’s first ever performance, where he wore the same hat he later donned during his Idol tribute—an emotional detail that brought their friendship full circle.
She continued with heartfelt words:
“For John Foster to write that song in the first place—and then to perform it—says everything about the light and love that Maggie gave to the people around her. It’s something you can feel.”
Though nothing can undo the loss of her daughter, Erin Martin expressed gratitude for the way John’s tribute gave the world a glimpse into Maggie’s spirit. Now, she hopes this exposure might inspire change—perhaps even save a future mother from experiencing the same pain.
“For just a minute, millions of people were thinking about my child. My hope is that someone among them reads about her, learns what happened, and is in a position to help change police pursuit policy. Maybe that’s the difference Maggie can still make.”
The Tragic Loss of Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill
Erin Martin has become a vocal advocate for reform in police protocols following the devastating death of her 17-year-old daughter Maggie Dunn and 16-year-old Caroline Gill. Both girls were killed when a police officer, engaged in a high-speed pursuit, sped through a red light and struck their vehicle.
Officer David Cauthron of the Addis Police Department was involved in the pursuit when he ran the red light at a dangerously high speed and crashed into the teens’ car on New Year’s Eve 2022. Maggie and Caroline died from the collision, and Maggie’s brother, Liam, was severely injured but survived after a long recovery.
As reported by WBRZ:
“David Cauthron, 42, was sentenced to 32 years in prison, with 22 years suspended, after he ran a red light while chasing a suspect and crashed into a car, killing two students from Brusly High… WBRZ reported that Cauthron was driving 86 mph and never used the brakes before the fatal crash.”
Cauthron is set to serve 10 years behind bars and will also be required to “speak to law enforcement officers and students about his actions, with the aim of preventing future tragedies.”
Our thoughts remain with the families and friends forever impacted by this heartbreaking loss.
