Country music performer CJ Beach has died at the age of 22 after a car crash in Florida.
Beach, a Tallahassee musician who founded the Deadman Walking Music Festival in Wakulla County, was killed during the early hours of Saturday, November 7. His sedan reportedly left the roadway and hit several trees, according to a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) release.
The collision occurred at approximately 1.15am on Rehwinkel Road near Oakwood Trail in Crawfordville, Wakulla County. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
FHP said the 22-year-old driver was not wearing a seatbelt. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation, according to Tallahassee.com.
Beach had performed at The Salty Donkey in Panacea, Florida, on Friday evening, just hours before the crash. Although his name was not included in the highway patrol’s statement, his father, Charlie, later confirmed that the fatal wreck happened on Rehwinkel Road.
In a tribute, Charlie wrote: ‘I appreciate all of the outpouring feelings and thoughts about my son CJ. Seeing all the posts with pictures and videos kills me, but I know he was loved by many and will be missed.’
He also called on Beach’s supporters to ‘flood the county commissioners with calls and texts to install warning lights and many signs on both sides of that curve on Rehwinkel.’
Country music performer CJ Beach has died in a Florida car crash at the age of 22 (source: Facebook/CJ Beach)
Tallahassee musician CJ Beach was killed after his sedan left the road and struck several trees, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (source: Facebook/CJ Beach)
Beach is pictured with a friend (source: Instagram/ Sinners + Saints)
‘CJ’s wreck was in the same spot as the last wreck there. The bushes hadn’t even grown back. That is what I ask for in memory of my son CJ. Please help me out. Thank you all. Charlie Beach.’
Beach’s older brother, Marshall English Beach, also remembered him in a Facebook post. He wrote: ‘I was there when you were born. I was there and watched you take your first steps. I always loved how you used to mimic my motions on your walker when I played a video game.
‘This is the most difficult thing I’ve had to say. I’m not saying goodbye; I’m saying until I see you again in the next life, my baby brother. I leave you with this.’
‘May the road rise to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.’
‘I love you, CJ. See you in the next life.’
Beach’s last video, in which he performed his original song ‘Cigarettes’, was uploaded on November 3—just days before his death.
Friend Toby VanEsselstine described spending time with Beach on the night before the crash. He wrote: ‘It’s taken me a little time to process what happened this weekend, and yes, maybe I’m late to the party with making this post, but here we go.
‘On Friday night, CJ Beach was taken from us far too soon at only 22 years old. I was there with him on Friday night as he played at Salty Donkey. He was absolutely doing a great job. We hung out during his break, laughed and talked, and after he finished I helped him load up his gear.
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‘He came over to Low Tide to spend time with us while the band played, and we all had a great time. He danced like a wild man and took time to speak with the band after they performed, as music is an international language.
‘That young man was as happy as he could be.
‘Before I left, I gave him the typical “bro hug and handshake” and said to him, “Love ya, man.”’
Beach performed at The Salty Donkey in Panacea, Florida, on Friday night, hours before his death (source: The Salty Donkey/ Facebook)
The crash happened at about 1.15am on Rehwinkel Road near Oakwood Trail. FHP said the driver was not wearing a seatbelt and that the investigation is ongoing, according to Tallahassee.com
Beach was not identified in the initial FHP release, but his father later confirmed that the crash occurred on Rehwinkel Road
Beach’s older brother Marshall English Beach remembered him in a Facebook tribute (source: Facebook/Marshall English Beach)
Beach’s final video performance of his original song ‘Cigarettes’ was posted on November 3, days before his death (source: Instagram/CJ Beach)
‘He was such an awesome dude! We, Eleven O Five, invited him on stage at the Seineyard to sing with the band. That was such a great memory with him.’
‘Go rest high on that mountain, young man, as your time here on Earth is done. RIP, CJ!’
Beach was a familiar figure in Tallahassee’s music community, serving as the singer-songwriter and guitarist for CJ & the Deadmen.
He had already made a significant impact despite his age, launching the Deadman Walking Music Festival to showcase local musicians and help expand the area’s live music scene.
The grassroots event celebrated its fifth anniversary in April 2026 at The Palaver Tree Theatre in Crawfordville.
Tallahassee radio station X101.5 also paid tribute to the young musician in a heartfelt social media post.
‘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,’ the station wrote.
‘RIP CJ Beach. Sending our condolences to everyone in the local music community, CJ’s friends and family, and anyone who was lucky enough to hear him play live.’
The Daily Mail has contacted representatives of the FHP, Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office, Wakulla County EMS and Wakulla County Fire Rescue for comment.