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 young musician, who dedicated himself to helping women with cancer through his nonprofit work, died when his Tesla sedan crashed on U.S. 21 in Colleton County.
The single-vehicle accident happened 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 alone in the car and wearing his seatbelt. Transported to a local hospital, he was pronounced dead from blunt force injuries. The Colleton County coroner ruled his death accidental, with no other vehicles involved. Investigators have not yet determined why Carter’s vehicle left the roadway.
News of Carter’s passing was first made public through a Facebook post on April 26 by The Local Voice, the nonprofit he co-founded in 2024. The organization provides financial assistance and support to 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.”
Cancer advocacy held deep meaning for Carter. His mother, Julie, died in October 2022, the year before he auditioned for “The Voice.” The Local Voice pledged to “carry his light forward and continue this mission in his honor.”
Moncks Corner Mayor Thomas Hamilton Jr. posted a Facebook tribute on April 26, describing Carter as a fixture of community life. The singer had been scheduled to perform on April 27 at the Town of Moncks Corner’s “Music on Main” event. 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 fall 2023. His blind audition became an emotional highlight of the season when he sang Whitney Houston’s “I Look to You” in tribute to his late mother.
All four coaches, Reba McEntire, John Legend, Gwen Stefani, and Niall Horan, turned their chairs, a rare accomplishment on the competition show. McEntire was visibly moved during the performance, leading Horan to tell Carter, “You made the queen cry in the best way possible.” Carter selected McEntire as his coach and honored the country legend by sporting a hairdo in her style during the show. His run ended in Episode 12 of the Battle Rounds, where he performed 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 worked as a realtor and co-owner of Sunny Days RV & Campground, calling himself “The Singing Realtor.” He maintained close family bonds, regularly posting about his niece Claire on social media. In 2025, he took a memorable trip to Florida with friends and kept performing at community events across the Lowcountry. Even after his elimination from “The Voice,” Carter stayed committed to his music career.
McEntire paid tribute to her former team member on April 27. “We will miss Dylan so much,” McEntire wrote on her Instagram Story. “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.”
Visitation for Carter took place on May 1, 2026, at Dorchester Academy Shuler Gymnasium. Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 2, at 11 a.m. at Indian Field Campground in St. George, followed by burial at St. George Cemetery.
