‘The Voice’ star Dylan Carter dies in a car crash at 24: ‘His absence will be deeply felt’

COLLETON COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA: ‘The Voice’ alum Dylan Carter tragically died in a car crash on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the age of 24. He competed on the 24th Season of the popular reality show nearly three years ago and was part of Reba McEntire’s team.

The news of Carter’s demise was announced on social media by his nonprofit, The Local Voice, which raises funds for women fighting cancer.

Dylan Carter’s cause of death

Law enforcement officials told TMZ that around 11 PM on Saturday, a 2026 Tesla sedan was traveling southbound on US Route 21 in South Carolina when it drifted off the road, hit a pole and a fence, and eventually started rolling. The driver was alone in the car at the time of the accident and was wearing a seatbelt. 

After the singer succumbed to his injuries, he was identified by the Colleton County coroner’s office. They told TMZ that Carter died from blunt force injuries sustained during the harrowing crash. His death was ruled accidental.

Dylan Carter remembered as ‘a huge ray of sunshine’

In a heartfelt tribute, the Local Voice wrote on Facebook, “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.” 

“Dylan was the heart of what we do,” they further shared, adding, “He believed every voice matters and lived that every day.” 

“Through his music, his kindness, and his smile, he brought people together and made everyone feel seen,” the organization continued. “We are so grateful for Dylan, for the love he gave this community, and for the impact he leaves behind,” they concluded.

Moncks Corner Mayor Thomas Hamilton Jr. also remembered Carter. “Our family is heartbroken to hear about the passing of Dylan Carter in a car accident,” he wrote. “As a gifted singer, he frequently entertained our community with his performances at Town events. His kindness and charm earned him immense respect, and his absence will be deeply felt,” the Mayor added. 

McEntire, who was Carter’s mentor in ‘The Voice,’ also paid homage to the singer on April 27. “We will miss Dylan so much. 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,” she wrote on Instagram stories.

Dylan Carter’s journey on ‘The Voice’ Season 24

Carter participated in ‘The Voice’ Season 24, nearly three years ago and joined McEntire’s team. During the Blind Auditions, he delivered a soulful performance of Whitney Houston’s ‘I Look to You’ as a tribute to his late mother.

The singer earned turning chairs from all four judges, including McEntire, Niall Horan, Gwen Stefani and John Legend. “When I saw y'all turn around, I saw my mom," he shared during the audition. “She passed back in October, and she wanted me to sing it at her funeral. So I did it. I tried, but I couldn't make it through it. This was the best second chance. I just made her so proud,” Carter added. 

McEntire was left emotional over Carter’s performance. “So much emotion, and I saw it and I felt it when you were singing,” she said at the time. “That's the kind of songs that do that to me too, because I saw you get so emotionally involved, and that's when you know you've got a great song and a great singer: when it touches your heart,” McEntire added.

Horan also applauded the singer, saying, “Wow, you made the queen cry in the best way possible. It was spectacular, you could really feel the emotion. You only get four chairs if it really moves the room.”

Carter was eliminated from the show during the Battle Rounds. However, he managed to make a name for himself in the music community.

The 24-year-old was scheduled to perform at the Town of Moncks Corner’s ‘Music on Main’ event on April 27. The event was canceled following Carter’s death.