C.J. Beach Obituary: Wakulla County Musician Dies at 22 as Father Makes Road Safety Appeal
The Florida music community is mourning the death of C.J. Beach, a 22-year-old singer-songwriter from the Tallahassee area who died in a car accident in Wakulla County on November 7, 2026.
Beach was involved in a fatal crash on Rehwinkel Road near Oakwood Trail in Crawfordville during the early hours of Saturday morning. According to reports citing the Florida Highway Patrol, his vehicle left the roadway and struck several trees. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The accident happened only hours after Beach had performed at The Salty Donkey, a music venue in Panacea, on Friday evening, November 6.
Father Charles Beach Makes Special Request
Following his son’s death, Charles Beach shared an emotional message on Facebook, thanking everyone who had reached out with condolences and memories.
He also made a specific request in his son’s memory: he urged members of the community to contact Wakulla County commissioners and call for additional warning lights and road signs near the curve on Rehwinkel Road where the crash occurred.
Charles said another accident had previously happened at the same location, noting that the vegetation from the earlier incident had not yet grown back. His appeal was for improvements that could help prevent another family from experiencing a similar tragedy.
Remembering C.J. Beach and His Music
C.J. Beach was known as a singer-songwriter and performer who shared his music both independently and with his band, CJ & The Deadmen.
He also founded the Deadmen Walking Music Festival in Wakulla County in 2022. The event brought independent musicians together and helped provide a platform for local performers.
People in the area’s music community remembered Beach not only for his talent but also for the encouragement he gave other artists. Herb Donaldson, owner of Palaver Tree Theater, described him as someone who genuinely supported fellow musicians and worked to bring the local music scene together.
Family Announces Celebration of Life Plans
In a statement shared with WTXL, the family expressed gratitude for the photographs, videos, tributes and messages of support received following Beach’s death.
A celebration of life is being planned for Saturday, November 21, 2026. Further arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.
The family has also asked that, instead of flowers, people consider making donations to Palaver Tree Theater in keeping with what they believe C.J. would have wanted.
C.J. Beach’s death represents a significant loss for his relatives, friends, fellow musicians and the wider Wakulla County community. His work supporting independent performers remains an important part of the local music scene.