Country singer CJ Beach died at 22 when his sedan left a Wakulla County road and struck trees, hours after a Friday show, as family pressed for curve warnings.
CJ Beach, a 22-year-old Tallahassee singer-songwriter and guitarist, was pronounced dead at the scene after his sedan ran off Rehwinkel Road near Oakwood Trail in Crawfordville early Saturday, November 7, around 1:15 a.m. and struck several trees, the Daily Mail reported.
Florida Highway Patrol said the driver was not wearing a seatbelt. The crash remains under investigation. Beach was not named in the patrol release; his father later confirmed the wreck and the location.
Only hours earlier, Beach had played The Salty Donkey in Panacea. Friends described a strong set, gear loaded without drama, and a young musician still laughing and dancing before the night ended.
Friend Toby VanEsselstine was with him that Friday. He watched Beach work the room, then helped pack up after the show.
"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."
VanEsselstine said Beach later joined them at Low Tide, danced hard, and spoke with another band after their set. Before leaving, the friend gave him a hug and a handshake and told him he loved him.
"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”. He was such an awesome dude!"
Beach fronted CJ & the Deadmen and had built a grassroots following around Wakulla County. He founded the Deadman Walking Music Festival, which marked its fifth anniversary in April 2026 at The Palaver Tree Theatre in Crawfordville. On November 3 he posted a performance video of his original track “Cigarettes.”
Tallahassee station X101.5 called him one of the area’s most gifted young players in a long stretch and sent condolences to the music community, friends, and family.
"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. 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."
Older brother Marshall English Beach wrote on Facebook that he had been there from the first steps and refused a final goodbye, choosing instead a reunion in the next life. He closed with the Irish blessing and a direct line to his brother.
"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 love you Cj see you in the next life."
Charlie Beach thanked the public for the photos and messages, then turned straight to the road. He said his son’s wreck hit the same spot as an earlier crash, and the bushes had not even grown back.
"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.... flood the county commissioners with calls and text to install warning lights and many signs 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. Please help me out. Thank you all. Charlie Beach."
The Daily Mail contacted Florida Highway Patrol, the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office, EMS, and Fire Rescue for comment. No cause beyond the reported path of the car and the seatbelt finding has been released. The investigation continues.
A young driver without a belt, a known curve, a prior wreck at the same place, and a father left asking elected officials for lights and signs, that is the record as it stands.
Talent, family, and a Friday night stage do not rewrite physics or replace basic safety. Local roads that keep killing people deserve fixed warnings, and drivers still need the belt every time.
