The Voice season 24 fourth chair turned contestant Dylan Carter died in a car accident in Colleton County, South Carolina, on Saturday morning. He was 24.
In the aftermath of his untimely passing, his sister-in-law, Stephanie Harper, paid tribute by changing her profile picture to one showing her and Dylan from what appeared to be an outdoor party.
“Wake us up from this nightmare. Life will never be the same without my best friend. Will miss you forever, Dyl,” the caption read.
Stephanie is the wife of Dylan’s brother Cole. They live in Harleyville, SC, with their baby girl, Claire Julie.
Dylan Carter’s mother Julie B. Carter had a sudden death in 2022.
Here’s what Dylan Carter said of his mom
In a mid-October 2023 Facebook post, Dylan Carter wrote how a year back, he was woken up in the middle of the night (around 2 AM) by a call asking him to come down to the hospital. He continued:
“I stayed calm on the way there, but knew something bad had happened. Maybe a wreck, maybe someone was sick? I did not expect to find that my mom had passed away.”
According to Dylan Carter, his mother was the “sunshine… backbone… happiness and joy” of their family, who was not just a parent to him and his brother but a “mom to everyone.”
“My family lost an aunt, a sister, a daughter, a cousin, a friend, and my brother and I lost a mom… She loved so many people and would do anything for anyone. She always brought a smile with her, no matter how stressed or upset she was, and her laugh was unmistakable,” the musician recalled.
Dylan Carter, who was also a licensed realtor, shared that while the “good times” no longer seemed “so good anymore” and were a “lot quieter,” their family continued to gather in his mom’s absence. He wrote:
“And I will continue to find myself and grow confident in who I am for you. By the way, I think I found my voice… and I will continue to use it to bring hope and healing to people all over the world. My mom always knew I could do it, but I didn’t believe her. It is true that moms know best because tomorrow I will be singing my heart out on National television!!!”
Dylan Carter was evidently speaking about his time on The Voice as part of coach Reba McEntire’s team until he was eliminated in the Battle Round.
“I would say I wish you were here to see it, but you were up there on that stage with me! As time passes, I hear you and see you in me more and more each day. That is why I will continue… so that you can live your dreams through me! We love and miss you, and we hope your first year in Heaven was spent Dancing in The Sky…” he concluded.
For those unaware, Dylan Carter sang Whitney Houston’s I Look to You during his blind audition. He reflected on the same while speaking with News 2:
“I felt my mom with me. I heard her, but then walking off that stage and after hearing and seeing them all turn, I just, my confidence grew. I felt on top of the world. It was crazy.”
Carter also shared that McEntire told him to use his music to “touch people’s hearts.” His website described him as “the boy who made Reba 9and the world) cry.” It is noteworthy that Dylan spent his entire time on the NBC music reality show paying tribute to his mother and dedicating his performances to her.
Now, in the wake of his demise, social media has joined in to pour in tributes for him, including his fellow Voice contestant and South Carolina native Stee.
Edited by Pallavi K