CJ Beach, a rising country singer-songwriter from Wakulla County, Florida, has died at 22 following a car accident in the early hours of Saturday, Nov. 7.
Beach had played a set Friday night at The Salty Donkey in Panacea. The Florida Highway Patrol told the Tallahassee Democrat that a car ran off Rehwinkel Road in Crawfordville around 1:15 a.m. and struck several trees.
His family said in a statement that they are devastated but deeply touched by the outpouring of love. They said CJ loved being with people and sharing his love for music and songwriting. A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, Nov. 21, with details to follow. In place of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Palaver Tree Theater.
His father, Charles Beach, wrote on Facebook that he knows his son "was loved by many and will be missed." In memory of CJ, he asked supporters to urge county commissioners to add warning lights and signs at the curve on Rehwinkel Road.
Herb Donaldson, owner of the Palaver Tree Theater, said Beach helped host the Deadman Walking music festival and often put other musicians in the spotlight. Donaldson said the community needs more of the spirit Beach brought, one that makes people want to "hug and love one another."
Local radio station X101.5 called him one of the most talented young musicians from the Tallahassee area in a long time.
Our prayers are with the Beach family, his bandmates and everyone grieving in the Florida music community.
