Dylan Carter, a 24-year-old country singer who competed on NBC’s “The Voice” in 2023, was killed in a car accident in South Carolina on April 25, 2026. The single-vehicle crash claimed the life of a young musician who had channeled personal tragedy into charitable work supporting women with cancer.
Carter’s Tesla sedan left U.S. 21 in Colleton County just after 11 p.m. near the intersection of Lowcountry Highway and Smakes. The vehicle struck a utility pole and fence before overturning. He was alone in the car and wearing his seatbelt when the crash occurred. Emergency responders transported him to a local hospital, where he died from blunt force injuries. The Colleton County coroner ruled his death accidental, with no other vehicles involved.
The Local Voice, a nonprofit Carter co-founded in 2024, announced his passing on Facebook on April 26. The organization raises funds for women battling cancer and provides support for local women with breast cancer and their families.
His Unforgettable Voice Audition
Carter appeared on Season 24 of “The Voice” in fall 2023, delivering a blind audition that became one of the season’s most memorable moments. He performed Whitney Houston’s “I Look to You” in tribute to his mother, Julie, who died in October 2022 — the year before his audition.
All four coaches — Reba McEntire, John Legend, Gwen Stefani, and Niall Horan — turned their chairs, a rare achievement reserved for exceptional talent. McEntire was visibly moved to tears during his audition, prompting Horan to remark, “You made the queen cry in the best way possible.” Carter selected McEntire as his coach and sported a hairdo in honor of the country legend during his time on the show. He was eliminated in Episode 12 of the Battle Rounds, performing Cody Johnson’s “Til You Can’t.”
A Community in Mourning
“With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Dylan Carter, co-founder of The Local Voice, talented musician, and someone who meant so much to our community,” the organization wrote. “Dylan was the heart of what we do.”
The grief extended well beyond Carter’s nonprofit. Moncks Corner Mayor Thomas Hamilton Jr. shared a tribute on Facebook on April 26, calling the young singer a fixture of community life.
Carter had been scheduled to perform on April 27 at the Town of Moncks Corner’s “Music on Main” event. Following news of his death, town officials announced the event had been canceled.
The Singing Realtor From St. George
A native of St. George, South Carolina — about 50 miles from Charleston — Carter was a realtor and campground owner who playfully dubbed himself “The Singing Realtor.” Beyond his musical pursuits, he was known for his close-knit family ties, frequently sharing moments with his niece Claire on social media. He took a memorable trip to Florida with friends in 2025 and continued performing at community events across the Lowcountry.
McEntire shared a heartfelt tribute to her former team member on her Instagram Story on April 27. “We will miss Dylan so much,” she wrote. “He was a brilliant, kind, and talented young man who brought a huge ray of sunshine to The Voice. Rest in peace, my dear friend.”
After his elimination from “The Voice,” Carter remained determined to continue pursuing music. The Local Voice vowed to “carry his light forward and continue this mission in his honor.”
Carter’s family has announced that a visitation took place on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Dorchester Academy Shuler Gymnasium. Funeral services will follow on Saturday, May 2, at 11 a.m. at Indian Field Campground in St. George, with burial at St. George Cemetery.
