Former Southampton Colleague Raising Money for Funeral of 'Singing Doctor'
A doctor who interned with Southampton Hospital last year and who became an online singing sensation, died following a car accident in Maryland on June 11. His former colleagues on the South Fork are raising money to help his family offset funeral expenses.
Dr. Brandon Rogers, a 29-year-old osteopath, interned at Southampton Hospital from 2015 to 2016. At the time of his death, he was a resident at Riverside Brentwood Medical Center in Newport News, Va.
Dr. Rajeev Santiago Fernando, an infectious disease specialist who started a GoFundMe account two days ago, said Dr. Rogers made life better for those around him. "His exemplary patient care won him many compliments in our hospital," he wrote. Dr. Fernando is trying to raise $10,000.
Described as a gifted rhythm and blues vocalist, Dr. Rogers was known as the "Singing Doctor." He posted videos of himself singing songs by a range of artists, from Bruno Mars to Justin Timberlake, on Instagram, where he had over 80,000 followers. Boyz II Men took notice of his cover of "On Bended Knee," inviting him to perform with them. He took the stage at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas in January for three nights.
Producers from "America's Got Talent" also took notice. He auditioned for this season of the show and was set to appear on TV in the next few weeks.
Boys II Men released a statement on his death, calling him "a genuinely nice person and a really good singer" taken too soon. "It hurts to know that the world will never have a chance to witness what his impact . . . could have been as a doctor and even on the music world."
According to several online news stories, Dr. Rogers was the passenger in a car that hit a tree on June 10 at around 4:30 a.m. The driver was said to have fallen asleep at the wheel.
Many are remembering the doctor on social media by using the hashtag #TheSingingDoctor.
One person posted a comment on his Instagram page Monday, "I check back everyday looking for a video, hoping this is all a terrible nightmare. You have inspired me so much to follow my dreams because tomorrow isn't promised. Thank you Dr. Rogers. Fly High."