Dylan Carter, a 24-year-old contestant from season 24 of The Voice, died after losing control of his brand new Tesla on a remote highway in South Carolina. The incident occurred on Saturday night when Carter, driving a 2026 Tesla sedan, veered off US-21, also known as Lowcountry Highway, near the small town of Smoaks.
Details of the Crash
According to South Carolina Highway Patrol corporal Nick Pye, Carter was heading south when he drifted to the right around 11:22 p.m., jumped the curb, and struck a utility pole and a fence. The vehicle flipped, and Carter was found inside by emergency responders. He was rushed to a hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. The SC Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, and an autopsy will be conducted by the Colleton County Coroner.
Community Mourning
News of Carter's death prompted an outpouring of grief from friends and local officials. Thomas Hamilton Jr., mayor of Moncks Corner, Carter's hometown, expressed heartbreak on Facebook, calling Carter a gifted singer who entertained the community at town events. "His kindness and charm earned him immense respect, and his absence will be deeply felt," Hamilton wrote.
The Local Voice, a nonprofit co-founded by Carter that supports women battling breast cancer, also confirmed his passing. The organization stated, "Dylan was the heart of what we do. He believed every voice matters and lived that every day." Carter, a proud Lowcountry native, also owned Sunny Days RV & Campground and worked as a realtor.
Tribute to His Mother
Carter's mother died in 2022, a year before he appeared on The Voice. During his blind audition, he sang Whitney Houston's "I Look to You" as a tribute to her, earning four chair turns from judges Reba McEntire, Niall Horan, John Legend, and Gwen Stefani. McEntire, fighting back tears, praised his emotional performance. Carter chose McEntire as his mentor, saying she could be a comforting mother figure. His run ended in the Battle Rounds in October 2023, but he continued performing and supporting The Local Voice.
