Dylan Carter, who earned a rare four-chair turn on NBC’s “The Voice” in 2023, has died at age 24 following a car accident in South Carolina. The rising country music artist was killed when his Tesla sedan crashed on U.S. 21 in Colleton County on the night of April 25, 2026.
The vehicle veered off the roadway near the intersection of Lowcountry Highway and Smakes just after 11 p.m., striking a utility pole and a fence before rolling over. Carter was alone in the car and was wearing his seatbelt. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The Colleton County coroner confirmed he died from blunt force injuries sustained in the crash and ruled his death accidental. No other vehicles were involved in the collision.
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.
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, and Mayor Thomas Hamilton Jr. shared a tribute on Facebook calling the young singer a fixture of community life.
His Unforgettable Voice Audition
During Season 24 of “The Voice” in the fall of 2023, Carter competed at just 20 years old and delivered one of the most emotional moments of the season. His blind audition featured a stirring rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Look to You” as a tribute to his late mother, Julie, who passed away in October 2022.
All four coaches — Reba McEntire, John Legend, Gwen Stefani, and Niall Horan — turned their chairs for Carter, a feat reserved for only the most extraordinary performances on the show. Horan remarked, “You made the queen cry in the best way possible,” after McEntire was visibly moved to tears. 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.”
McEntire shared a heartfelt tribute to her former team member on her Instagram Story on April 27. “We will miss Dylan so much,” McEntire 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.”
A Community in Mourning
His death was first confirmed publicly by his nonprofit, The Local Voice, in a heartfelt statement posted to Facebook on April 26. “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.”
Carter co-founded the nonprofit in 2024 to raise funds for women battling cancer and provide support for local women with breast cancer and their families. The cause was deeply personal given his mother’s death. After his elimination from “The Voice,” Carter remained determined to continue pursuing music, and 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.
