The Music Stopped: Beloved Beach Music Performer Killed in I-95 Crash

The crash

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 2:16 AM on Saturday, April 11, 2026, on northbound I-95 near Pope Road in Dunn, Harnett County. Winstead was driving a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica minivan. Ahead of him, a 2025 Peterbilt tanker truck driven by Justin Broderick, 35, of Angier, had slowed because of traffic congestion.

For reasons still under investigation, Winstead failed to slow down. His minivan crashed into the rear of the tanker truck. The impact was severe. Winstead died at the scene.

Troopers have stated that speed was a contributing factor in the crash. The tanker truck driver was not injured. The northbound lanes of I-95 were closed for several hours as first responders cleared the wreckage and investigators examined the scene. The highway reopened at 5:47 AM.

Howard Winstead Jr., voice of the Band of Oz

Howard Winstead was not a household name across America, but in the world of Carolina beach music—a genre beloved in the Carolinas, Virginia, and beyond—he was a giant. He was the lead vocalist of the Band of Oz, a group that has been a staple of beach music festivals, dance halls, and shag clubs for years.

Before joining the Band of Oz, Winstead had performed with other iconic groups, including The Fantastic Shakers and The Blackwater Band. He was known for his smooth vocals, his stage presence, and his ability to connect with audiences. He was returning from a performance in Lexington, South Carolina, when the crash occurred; he was doing what he had done countless times before: driving home after sharing his gift of music.

The aftermath: A community mourns

The news of Winstead's death spread quickly through the tight-knit beach music community. Social media posts from fans, fellow musicians, and venues expressed shock and grief. The Band of Oz's Facebook page, where Winstead was celebrated as the band's lead vocalist, became a gathering place for condolences.

The crash also caused significant disruption on I-95, a major artery for East Coast travel. The northbound lanes were closed for over three hours, leading to miles-long backups as investigators worked to reconstruct the scene. The tanker truck, carrying fuel, added an element of danger to the response, though no fire or spill was reported.

Investigation and accountability

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol's investigation remains active. While troopers have indicated that speed was a factor, they have not released further details about whether distraction, fatigue, impairment, or a medical event played any role.

Key questions remain unanswered:

• Why did Winstead not see the slowed tanker truck ahead of him?
• Was he traveling at a speed that prevented him from stopping in time?
• Were there any environmental factors, such as darkness, weather, or road conditions, that contributed?

Once the investigation is complete, the findings will be turned over to the district attorney's office. No charges have been filed against the tanker truck driver, who appears to have been an innocent party in this chain of events.

What this means for our readers

This tragic incident, involving a beloved public figure, underscores several critical points about road safety and the legal aftermath of fatal crashes.

1. Speed kills, especially at night: Troopers explicitly cited speed as a contributing factor. On a dark interstate in the early morning hours, even moderate speeding reduces reaction time dramatically. When traffic ahead slows unexpectedly, the margin for error disappears
2. Rear-end crashes are almost always preventable: In the vast majority of rear-end collisions, the following driver is found at fault. Drivers have a duty to maintain a safe following distance and to be aware of traffic conditions ahead. A tanker truck does not stop suddenly without reason; the driver who fails to stop in time bears responsibility
3. Fatigue is a hidden danger: Winstead was returning home after a late-night performance. Driving in the early morning hours, especially after performing, carries elevated risks of fatigue. Drowsy driving impairs reaction time and judgment as significantly as alcohol does, but is often underreported and under-prosecuted
4. The investigation takes time: Crashes involving commercial vehicles (like the tanker truck) often require more extensive investigation. The truck's data recorder, maintenance records, and the driver's logs will be examined. Families seeking answers may need to be patient
5. Civil justice is available: Regardless of whether criminal charges are filed, Winstead's family may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. However, in a rear-end crash where the driver is at fault, the claim would be against Winstead's own insurance policy, not against the truck driver or his employer. Every case is different, and the specific facts matter

This tragedy is a reminder that no one is immune to the dangers of the road. Not the famous, not the beloved, not the most careful drivers. Every time we get behind the wheel—especially late at night, especially when we are tired, especially when we are in a hurry—we are making a choice that could have lifelong consequences.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and fans of Howard Winstead Jr., and to the Band of Oz.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious crash, the independent attorneys we connect you with have the experience to investigate the facts, navigate insurance claims, and fight for the compensation you deserve.