22-Year-Old Country Artist CJ Beach Killed In Car Crash Shortly After What Ended Up Being His Last Concert
on
Those who knew and loved CJ Beach are mourning his loss after the young country-rock artist was killed in a car accident on Saturday, November 7.
PEOPLE reports that the accident occurred shortly after 22-year-old CJ sang at the Salty Donkey, a waterfront restaurant in Panacea, Florida. It ended up being his final performance.
The Tallahassee Democrat published a report about the accident on Saturday morning (November 7). CJ was not named in the report, as his identity had not been released to the public at the time of publication.
RELATED: HONORING THE COUNTRY STARS & FRIENDS WE’VE LOST IN 2026
The Tallahassee Democrat cited a news release from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) stating that a single-vehicle crash occurred around 1:15 AM on November 7. The site of the crash was on Rehwinkel Road near Oakwood Trail.
The FHP report states that a sedan (which we now know was driven by CJ) was traveling north on Rehwinkel Road. Somewhere along the way, the car ran off the road and hit multiple trees. Sadly, CJ was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
CJ Beach’s Father Speaks Out Following His Tragic Death
On November 8, CJ Beach’s father, Charles Beach, confirmed the news of his death in a post on Facebook.
“I appreciate all of the outpouring feelings and thoughts about my son CJ,” Charles said. “Seeing all the post[s] with pictures and videos kills me, but I know he was loved by many and will be missed.”
Then, Charles shared one request for all of CJ’s fans, friends, and family members. He asked them to contact the county commissioner to request the installation of warning lights and signs along the curve where CJ’s accident occurred.
“So I ask this, flood the county commissioners will calls and text to install warning lights and many signs on both sides of that curve on Rehwinkle [sic].”
Charles continued to say that another accident occurred in the exact same location not long ago, writing, “CJ’s wreck was in the same spot as the last wreck there. The bushes hadn’t even grown back.”
Charles ended his post by writing, “That is what I ask for in memory of my son CJ. Please help me out. Thank you all. Charlie Beach.”
WTXL, an ABC affiliate in Tallahassee, reports that CJ’s celebration of life will be held on November 21. More details concerning that service are expected at a later date.
CJ’s family asked that those who wish to honor him consider donating to the Palaver Tree Theater in his memory in lieu of sending flowers.
CJ Beach Showed A Lot Of Promise In His Performances & Several Videos He Shared Online
CJ Beach was a promising young performer and treasured member of his community. He sang solo and also performed with a band, CJ & The Deadman.
CJ also helped champion other artists by creating the Deadman Walking Music Festival. After his death, Radio station X101.5 shared a video of CJ performing at the festival in April. They said CJ organized the event “and brought the community and several musicians together for an amazing night of live music.”
They added, “We are shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic passing of one of the most talented young musicians from our area in a long time. RIP Cj Beach 💔Sending our condolences to everyone in the local music community, CJ’s friends and family, and anyone who was ever lucky enough to hear him play live.”
Before his death, CJ worked hard to build a following on social media. He shared photos from his shows and promoted his upcoming performances.
In August of this year (2026), CJ started sharing acoustic performance videos on Instagram. He covered songs such as The SteelDrivers’ “Where Rainbows Never Die” and “I Wanna Be Like You” from the movie The Jungle Book.
He also shared several of his original songs, including ones titled “Best Kept Hid,” “Knees,” and “Wish I Were Gone.” The last video he ever shared on Instagram, posted just four days before his death, also featured an original song titled “Cigarettes.” You can watch that video in the post below.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of CJ Beach’s loved ones during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
