Southern gospel's Kingdom Heirs man Steve French dies in double suicide

THE SOUTHERN gospel world is still reeling with the revelation that Steve French, formerly a singer and manager of Southern gospel favourites Kingdom Heirs, died with his girlfriend on 22nd June when the couple jumped to their deaths from the bridge over the New River Gorge. French had sung baritone with the group from 1982 to 2014 before it was announced that French was retiring from Kingdom Heirs. It was later revealed that French had left his wife of 33 years and started a relationship with Lindsey Hudson, aged 29. Meanwhile the Kingdom Heirs have continued to perform at Dolly Parton's Dollywood theme park and tour during the off-season. Lead singer of the group Arthur Rice is currently president of the Southern Gospel Music Association.