Country musician CJ Beach has died aged 22, just hours after he appeared on stage in Florida.
Beach, from Tallahassee, Florida, was killed in a car accident in the early hours of Saturday (7 November) morning shortly after he had performed at The Salty Donkey in Panacea.
His heartbroken dad Charles confirmed the news on Facebook, thanking people for their support following the tragedy.
“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.”
In a press release, the Florida Highway Patrol said a 22-year-old man had died in a single-vehicle crash at around 1.15am.
The release went on to say that the sedan left the road and ‘collided with several trees’.
The FHP said the driver was declared dead at the scene and his next-of-kin had been informed.
The crash is currently under investigation.
Although Beach was not named in the release, his dad later confirmed that it was his son.
In a post paying tribute to Beach, his heartbroken dad urged his followers 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].’
“CJ’s wreck was in the same spot as the last wreck there,” he wrote.
“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.”
His older brother Marshall has also paid touching tribute to his sibling, writing 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 was a rising star in the local country scene, where he regularly performed both solo and with his band.
As well as sharing his talent with his fans and followers during performance and on social media, Beach also encouraged other aspiring musicians and even set up his own local grassroots music festival.
Tallahassee radio station, X101.5, paid tribute to the young performer, writing on social media: “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.
“Sending our condolences to everyone in the local music community, CJ’s friends and family, and anyone who was ever lucky enough to hear him play live.”
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