Family, friends, and fellow contestants of “The Voice” alum Dylan Carter are reeling over news of his sudden death on April 25, 2026. According to the Berkeley Independent, the South Carolina musician died in a car accident at age 24.
Carter competed on “The Voice” in 2023, earning a four-chair turn from season 24 coaches John Legend, Gwen Stefani, Niall Horan, and Reba McEntire for his powerful rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Look To You” — a song he tried to sing at her funeral following her sudden death a year prior. He couldn’t get through the song then, Carter told the coaches, so he chose to give it another try in his audition.
Carter’s performance brought McEntire to tears, and he picked her as his coach. Though he was later eliminated during the Battle Rounds, he called the experience the “greatest moment of my life.”
Dylan Carter Co-Founded a Nonprofit Called The Local Voice After His Time on ‘The Voice’
After his time on “The Voice,” Carter co-founded a local nonprofit called The Local Voice, dedicated to raising funds for “supporting local women fighting breast cancer and families in need.” On April 26, the organization shared the heartbreaking news of his death in a Facebook post.
“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 post said. “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.”
The Local Voice’s post noted that Carter was a “proud Lowcountry native” who also owned Sunny Days RV & Campground and worked as a local realtor, “always helping others find a place to belong.”
“We are heartbroken, but find comfort knowing he is in heaven with his mother,” the post continued. “We are so grateful for Dylan, for the love he gave this community, and for the impact he leaves behind. We will carry his light forward and continue this mission in his honor. Please keep his family in your prayers in the coming weeks as they navigate this tremendous loss.”
Dylan Carter’s Friends From ‘The Voice’ Pay Tribute
Many musicians who met Carter on “The Voice” or as he continued to perform after the show have shared in social media tributes how heartbroken they are over his death.
Fellow season 24 contestant Kristen Brown posted a photo of them together and wrote, “Absolutely shattered to hear the news about the loss of my friend Dylan Carter. Dylan was literal sunshine as a human being. I was lucky enough to meet him on day one of my time on The Voice. The memories our little group made I will carry with me forever.”
Another fellow contestant, Ruby Leigh, shared a pic of herself with Carter when he traveled to see her Grand Ole Opry debut in 2024. She wrote on Instagram, “So saddened to hear about the passing of one of my friends Dylan Carter 💔 I first met him while we were together on The Voice. He was such a humble and amazing person. Truly, a wonderful soul. After our auditions all aired he was the first one to come and congratulate everyone. He was so excited for us all! He was everyone’s biggest fan.”
