Rising country music star CJ Beach killed at 22 in Florida car wreck hours after final performance

A rising star in the country music world has died in a Florida car crash aged just 22.CJ Beach, from Tallahassee, who founded the Deadman Walking Music Festival in Wakulla County, was killed in the early hours of Saturday, November 7 after his sedan ran off a road and struck several trees, according to a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) release.The crash happened at around 1.15am on Rehwinkel Road near Oakwood Trail, in Crawfordville, Wakulla County, Florida, with the driver pronounced dead at the scene.FHP reported the 22-year-old driver was not wearing a seatbelt and that the crash is under investigation, per Tallahassee.com.Beach had performed at The Salty Donkey in Panacea, Florida, on Friday night, hours before his death. While Beach was not named in the release, his father Charlie later confirmed in his tribute that his son's wreck had occurred on Rehwinkel Road.Charlie's message read, 'I appreciate all of the outpouring feelings and thoughts about my son CJ. Seeing all the post with pictures and videos kills me, but I know he was loved by many and will be missed.'He urged Beach's loved ones to 'flood the county commissioners with calls and text to install warning lights and many signs on both sides of that curve on Rehwinkle [sic]. A rising star of the country music world has died in a Florida car crash aged just 22 - pictured CJ Beach (source: Facebook/CJ Beach) CJ Beach, from Tallahassee was killed in the early hours of Saturday, November 7 after his sedan ran off a road and struck several trees, according to a Florida Highway Patrol release (source: Facebook/CJ Beach) Beach is seen left 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 wrote on Facebook: '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 final video performing original track, Cigarettes, was posted on November 3, just days before his death. Friend Toby VanEsselstine recalled spending time with Beach on the night before his death, writing: '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 way 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 etc. after he was done I helped him load up his gear. 'He came over to Low Tide to hang out with us as 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 played as music is an international language. 'That young was just 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 had performed at The Salty Donkey in Panacea, Florida, on Friday night, hours before his death - pictured (source: The Salty Donkey/ Facebook) The crash happened at around 1.15am on Rehwinkel Road near Oakwood Trail and FHP reported the driver was not wearing a seatbelt and that the crash is under investigation, per Tallahassee.com While Beach was not named in the release, his father Charlie later confirmed in his tribute that his son's wreck had occurred on Rehwinkel Road Beach's older brother Marshall English Beach wrote on Facebook: 'I was there when you were born. I was there and watched you take your first steps' - pictured together - (source: Facebook/Marshall English Beach) Beach's final video performing original track, Cigarettes, was posted on November 3, just days before his death (source: Instagram/CJ Beach)'He was such an awesome dude! We (Eleven O Five) invited him up 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 stalwart of the Tallahassee music scene, known for being the singer-songwriter and guitarist with his band, CJ & the Deadmen. Despite his tender years, he was already a musical innovator, creating the Deadman Walking Music Festival, supporting local musicians and growing the area's music scene.The grassroots festival had marked its fifth anniversary in April 2026 at The Palaver Tree Theatre in Crawfordville. Tallahassee radio station X101.5 paid tribute to Beach in a heartfelt social media statement.'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 statement read.'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 for the FHP, Wakulla County Sheriff's Office, Wakulla County EMS and Wakulla County Fire Rescue for comment.