RismadarVoice Reporters, April 29, 2026
A former contestant on The Voice, Dylan Carter, has died following a single-vehicle crash in South Carolina, authorities and local officials confirmed. He was 20.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the crash occurred late Saturday, April 25, at approximately 11:22 p.m. in Colleton County.
Investigators said the vehicle was travelling south when it left the roadway, struck a curb, a utility pole, and a fence, and then overturned. The driver was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The crash remains under investigation.
Carter rose to national attention during the fall 2023 season of The Voice, where his blind audition performance of Whitney Houston’s “I Look to You” dedicated to his late mother earned him a rare four-chair turn from coaches Gwen Stefani, John Legend, Niall Horan, and Reba McEntire.
He ultimately chose McEntire as his coach and advanced to the Battle rounds before being eliminated ahead of the Knockouts.
Following news of his death, McEntire paid tribute on social media, describing Carter as “a brilliant, kind and talented young man who brought a huge ray of sunshine” to the show. “We will miss Dylan so much,” she wrote, adding, “Rest in peace, my dear friend.”
During his time on the program, McEntire praised Carter’s emotional delivery, telling him after his audition that his performance demonstrated “so much emotion,” and that his ability to connect with the music showed “you’ve got a great song and a great singer.”
After his elimination, Carter reflected on his experience, telling the coaches that the show had given him confidence and renewed emotional strength. “I felt my mom, for the first time in a long time,” he said, adding that he intended to continue pursuing his music career.
Beyond music, Carter worked as a realtor and campground owner, according to his social media profiles. He also co-founded The Local Voice, a nonprofit focused on supporting communities in Santee, South Carolina.
Local leaders also expressed condolences. Thomas Hamilton Jr., mayor of Moncks Corner, said in a statement that the town was “heartbroken” by Carter’s passing. He described Carter as a frequent performer at community events whose “kindness and charm earned him immense respect,” adding that he was “much more to our family than an entertainer—he was our friend.”
Carter’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, fellow contestants, and community members as investigations into the crash continue.
