Dylan Carter, a country singer who performed on Reba McEntire’s team during season 24 of NBC’s The Voice, has died. He was 24.
Carter was killed Saturday in a car accident in Colleton County, South Carolina, according to a statement shared by city officials. News of his death was first shared by the Local Voice, a non-profit organization that Carter co-founded to help women with breast cancer after the death of his mother.
“We will miss Dylan so much,” McEntire wrote in a tribute to Carter shared Monday. “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.”
Carter gave an emotional performance of “I Look To You” by Whitney Houston during his blind audition for The Voice, which aired in 2023. He explained that he chose the song to honor his mom, who had died the year earlier, after he struggled to get through the same song at her funeral.
Although he impressed all of the judges with his audition, earning a rare four-chair turn, Carter chose McEntire — who was left in tears after his performance — as his coach in the competition and explained he was a lifelong fan of hers. He went on to be eliminated in episode 12 of the season, making it to the battle rounds of the competition.
Described in his nonprofit’s statement as a “proud Lowcountry native” to the South Carolina region, Carter worked as a realtor and owned a campground in the area, in addition to running his organization.
“Dylan was the heart of what we do. He believed every voice matters and lived that every day,” the Local Voice said in a statement Sunday. “Through his music, his kindness, and his smile, he brought people together and made everyone feel seen.”
The message continued: “We are heartbroken, but find comfort knowing he is in heaven with his mother. 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.”
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Carter regularly sang at local events in the area, and was scheduled to perform Monday night in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. Moncks Corner Mayor Thomas Hamilton Jr. paid tribute to Carter in a statement Monday on Facebook.
“Our family is heartbroken to hear about the passing of Dylan Carter in a car accident,” Hamilton wrote. “As a gifted singer, he frequently entertained our community with his performances at Town events. His kindness and charm earned him immense respect, and his absence will be deeply felt.
“To the loved ones and acquaintances of Dylan, we offer our sincerest condolences during this difficult period. The Town of Moncks Corner, its Council, and entire staff extend their deepest sympathies. He was much more to our family than an entertainer he was our friend and we are deeply saddened.”