Country music performer CJ Beach, a rising talent from Florida, has died in a car crash at the age of 22.
Beach, of Tallahassee, founded the Deadman Walking Music Festival in Wakulla County. He was killed in the early hours of Saturday, November 7, after his sedan left the roadway and struck several trees, according to a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) news release.
The crash occurred at approximately 1:15 a.m. on Rehwinkel Road near Oakwood Trail. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
The FHP said the 22-year-old was not wearing a seatbelt. The circumstances surrounding the fatal crash remain under investigation, according to Tallahassee.com.
Beach had performed at The Salty Donkey in Panacea, Florida, on Friday night, just hours before the crash. Although the FHP did not identify the driver in its release, Beach’s father, Charlie, later confirmed in a tribute that his son’s wreck took place on Rehwinkel Road.
Charlie wrote: “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 also called on Beach’s supporters 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].”
Country music performer CJ Beach has died in a Florida car crash at age 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 at 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, remembered him in a Facebook post, writing: “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, in which he performed his original song “Cigarettes,” was uploaded on November 3, only 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 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 man 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 performed at The Salty Donkey in Panacea, Florida, on Friday night, hours before his death (source: The Salty Donkey/ Facebook)
The crash occurred at around 1:15 a.m. on Rehwinkel Road near Oakwood Trail. The FHP said the driver was not wearing a seatbelt and that the investigation remains ongoing, according to Tallahassee.com
Beach was not identified in the FHP release, but his father, Charlie, later confirmed that the crash 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” (source: Facebook/Marshall English Beach)
Beach’s final performance video, featuring 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 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 familiar presence in the Tallahassee music scene, performing as the singer-songwriter and guitarist for CJ & the Deadmen.
Though he was only 22, Beach had already made an impact as a musical innovator. He created the Deadman Walking Music Festival to support local performers and help expand the region’s music community.
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 Beach in an emotional 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.”
Our News Outlet has contacted the FHP, Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office, Wakulla County EMS and Wakulla County Fire Rescue for comment.
