A rising country and rock singer from Tallahassee, Florida, has died following a tragic car crash over the weekend.
Videos by Wide Open Country
CJ Beach, 22, had performed at The Salty Donkey in Panacea, Florida, on Friday night before the fatal accident.
The young musician regularly shared acoustic performances on social media and performed with his band, CJ & the Deadmen.
Country Singer Dies at 22 as Father Calls for Road Safety Improvements
Beach's father, Charles Beach, addressed his son's death in an emotional Facebook post on Sunday, thanking the community for its support.
"I appreciate all of the outpouring feelings and thoughts about my son CJ," he wrote. "Seeing all the posts with pictures and videos kills me, but I know he was loved by many and will be missed."
Charles also urged local officials to improve safety measures along the road where his son died.
"So I ask this, flood the county commissioners with calls and texts to install warning lights and many sings on both sides of that curve on Rehwinkle. 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."
Beyond his own performances, Beach was a passionate supporter of Tallahassee's local music scene.
He founded the Deadman Walking Festival, an event celebrating local musicians that marked its fifth anniversary in April.
Banquet headlined the 2026 festival, with Madden Metcalf, The Deadmen, Palace Rats, Blairstone, Anemoia and Apalach Sound also appearing on the lineup.
The event took place at The Palaver Tree Theatre in Crawfordville.
Tributes Pour In for Young Musician CJ Beach
Tallahassee radio station X101.5 paid tribute to Beach in a heartfelt social media statement following news of his death.
"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 every lucky enough to hear him play live."
Several local bands also shared emotional tributes, reflecting on Beach's talent and his impact on the music community.
"Yesterday the world lost an amazing talent and a wonderful human being," the band Sawgrass Zoo wrote. "CJ Beach you will be missed my friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this time."
Fellow band Sinners + Saints also expressed their heartbreak over the musician's death, writing "our hearts are completely broken as we mourn the loss of the incredibly talented CJ Beach.
"His passion for music was felt by everyone that had the honor to hear him sing and play. We will miss you, CJ," the band added.
