Dylan Carter, a 24-year-old country singer who competed on NBC’s “The Voice” in 2023, died in a car accident in South Carolina on April 25, 2026. The young musician, who co-founded a nonprofit dedicated to helping women with cancer, was alone when his Tesla sedan crashed on U.S. 21 in Colleton County.
The single-vehicle crash occurred just after 11 p.m. near the intersection of Lowcountry Highway and Smakes. Carter’s vehicle veered off the road, struck a utility pole and a fence, then rolled over. He was wearing his seatbelt and was the only person in the car. After being rushed to a local hospital, he was pronounced dead. The Colleton County coroner confirmed that blunt force injuries from the crash caused his death, which was ruled accidental.
The Local Voice, the nonprofit Carter co-founded in 2024, announced his passing on Facebook on April 26. The cause was deeply personal for Carter, whose mother, Julie, passed away in October 2022. The organization raises funds for women battling cancer and provides support for local women with breast cancer and their families.
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.”
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, but town officials canceled the event following news of his death.
His Unforgettable Voice Audition
At just 20 years old, Carter competed on Season 24 of “The Voice” in the fall of 2023, delivering a stirring rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Look to You” as a tribute to his late mother during his blind audition. This performance became one of the most emotional moments of the season, capturing the nation’s attention and earning him a coveted four-chair turn from coaches Reba McEntire, John Legend, Gwen Stefani, and Niall Horan — a feat reserved for only the most extraordinary performances on the show.
McEntire was visibly moved to tears during his audition, prompting Horan to remark, “You made the queen cry in the best way possible.” Carter ultimately chose McEntire as his coach, sporting 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.”
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 will be held 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.