A rising country voice has been silenced at just 22. Hours after Tallahassee singer-songwriter CJ Beach performed in Florida, a crash ended his life, leaving his family, fans, and the local music community grieving. Authorities said his vehicle left Rehwinkel Road near Oakwood Trail in Crawfordville and struck several trees, and he was pronounced dead at the scene around 1:15 a.m. on Saturday, November 7. Earlier that evening, Beach had played a show at The Salty Donkey in Panacea, continuing the work that had made him a familiar name on area stages and a rising figure in the local scene.

Beach fronted the band CJ & the Deadmen, known for blending country and Southern rock, and he founded the Deadman Walking Festival to spotlight emerging local musicians. After his death, his father, Charles, publicly thanked those who were sharing photos, videos, and memories of his son, even as he acknowledged how painful those images were to see. Charles said a previous wreck had already occurred at the exact same spot on Rehwinkel Road and urged nearby residents to contact county commissioners to request signs and lighting on the curve, adding a plea: “Please help me out.” Local rock station X101.5 also paid tribute, calling Beach an exceptional young local talent and extending condolences to everyone who had been touched by his music.