The country music community is in mourning following the sudden death of Dylan Carter, a beloved alum of NBC’s “The Voice” who built a legacy of giving back to women battling cancer. The 24-year-old singer was killed in a single-car crash in South Carolina over the weekend, leaving behind a devastated family, fanbase, and nonprofit organization.
Carter died on Saturday night, April 25, 2026, after his 2026 Tesla sedan veered off U.S. Route 21 in Colleton County, South Carolina, striking a utility pole and a fence before rolling over. According to law enforcement officials, the fatal accident occurred just after 11 p.m. near the intersection of Lowcountry Highway and Smakes. Carter was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. No other vehicles were involved.
His death was first confirmed publicly by his nonprofit, The Local Voice, in a heartfelt statement posted to Facebook on April 26.
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 nonprofit, which Carter co-founded in 2024, raises funds for women battling cancer and provides support for local women with breast cancer and their families. The cause was deeply personal for Carter, whose mother, Julie, passed away in October 2022 — the year before his “Voice” audition.
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.
His Unforgettable Voice Audition
Carter first captured the nation’s attention in the fall of 2023, when he competed on Season 24 of “The Voice” at just 20 years old. His blind audition became one of the most emotional moments of the season, as he delivered a stirring rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Look to You” as a tribute to his late mother.
The performance earned 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 later in the season during the Battle Rounds.
The Singing Realtor From St. George
McEntire shared a heartfelt tribute to her former team member on her Instagram Story on April 27. “We will miss Dylan so much,” the country icon wrote, according to NBC.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.
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.”