Clay Aiken's NC Primary Opponent Dies Days After Tight Election

American Idol alum Clay Aiken clung to a narrow lead in Tuesday’s Democratic congressional primary election in North Carolina, one still deemed too close to call.

Today, the race took a tragic turn. Aiken’s opponent, local businessman Keith Crisco, died after suffering serious injuries in a fall inside his home.

Crisco, 71, had run against former “Idol” runner-up Aiken in the Democratic primary for the right to challenge incumbent Republican Rep. Renee Ellmers for the state’s 2nd congressional district seat ….

Local election officials have not yet commented on how Crisco’s death will affect election results.

Aiken clung to a lead of 369 votes prior to Crisco’s passing. Ellmers currently leads all challengers in state polling..