CHARLESTON, S.C. – Dylan Carter, a musician and former contestant on “The Voice,” has passed away at the age of 24, according to those close to the singer.
Carter, who was from South Carolina’s Lowcountry, was involved in a single-vehicle crash on Saturday night on a rural road in Colleton County. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently investigating the incident.
News of Carter’s death began circulating on social media on Sunday afternoon. Moncks Corner Mayor Thomas Hamilton shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, describing Carter as a “gifted singer” and highlighting his “kindness and charm” that earned him widespread respect.
Carter had been scheduled to perform Monday night at the Town of Moncks Corner’s “Music on Main” event. However, the town has since announced that the event has been canceled.
Carter participated in Season 24 of NBC’s reality competition show “The Voice.” He received a four-chair turn during his blind audition and later joined country music icon Reba McEntire’s team. He was eventually eliminated during the Battles rounds.
In a previous interview with Nexstar’s WCBD, Carter revealed that he had auditioned for “The Voice” twice before making it to the blind audition stage. During his performance, he sang “I Look to You” by Whitney Houston, a song he dedicated to his mother, who had passed away the year prior.
Carter shared that he had attempted to sing the same song at his mother’s funeral but was too emotional to finish. However, he felt her presence while performing on stage during the audition.
“I felt my mom with me. I heard her, but then walking off that stage and after hearing and seeing them all turn, I just, my confidence grew,” Carter said in the interview. “I felt on top of the world. It was crazy.”
Reba McEntire expressed her grief over Carter’s passing in a social media post, writing, “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.”
After his appearance on “The Voice,” Carter continued to perform across South Carolina. He also participated in benefit events, including “The Local Voice” fundraiser, a local singing competition. The Local Voice, a nonprofit based in Santee, South Carolina, provides care to women battling breast cancer.
“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 in a Facebook post. “Dylan was the heart of what we do. 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.”
Beyond his music career, Carter worked as a realtor and was a part-owner of an RV park and campground near Lake Marion.
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