The Carolina Beach Music community is mourning the heartbreaking and sudden loss of a beloved musician whose voice and talent helped define a genre cherished across the Southeast. Howard Douglas Winstead, 67, of Concord, a longtime lead vocalist and trumpeter with the Band of Oz, tragically lost his life early Saturday morning in a devastating traffic crash along Interstate 95 in Harnett County.
According to authorities, the fatal collision occurred shortly before 2:06 a.m. in the northbound lanes of I-95, just before Exit 73. Sgt. D.N. Pope of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol Troop B District 8 confirmed that Winstead was driving a 2019 Chrysler van when it rear-ended a Peterbilt gasoline tanker truck. The crash took place in the far left lane of the interstate, and the exact circumstances leading up to the collision remain under active investigation. Trooper Christopher McIntosh has been assigned as the investigating officer.
Emergency responders, including firefighters, rescue crews, and paramedics from Dunn Emergency Services, arrived swiftly at the scene. They found Winstead trapped inside the wreckage of the van. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving behind a profound sense of loss among those who knew him and admired his work.
The northbound lanes of Interstate 95 were closed for several hours as emergency crews worked to clear the scene and conduct their preliminary investigation. Traffic was eventually reopened at approximately 5:48 a.m., but the emotional weight of the tragedy continues to linger far beyond the highway.
Howard Winstead was far more than a musician—he was a cornerstone of the Carolina Beach Music genre. As a member of the Carolina Beach Music Awards, he was recognized for his immense contributions to the industry. His legacy includes induction into the CBMA Hall of Fame, nominations for Songwriter of the Year, and a string of number one hits that resonated deeply with fans. His passion for music was evident in every performance, and in his own words shared on the band’s official biography, he expressed that he had “never been happier than being on stage” with the Band of Oz.
Winstead’s musical journey spanned decades and included time with The Fantastic Shakers and The Blackwater Band, where he further solidified his reputation as a gifted performer and dedicated artist. His voice, trumpet skills, and stage presence made him a standout figure in the beach music scene, earning him respect from fellow musicians and admiration from audiences everywhere.
At the time of the crash, members of the Band of Oz were traveling in separate vehicles, returning from a Friday night performance in Lexington, South Carolina. The tragic loss has left the band and the wider music community in deep shock and grief. Keith Houston, a founding member of the Band of Oz, expressed his sorrow as he processed the devastating news, noting that the group would release an official statement in the coming days.
Howard Winstead’s passing marks a profound loss not only for his family and friends but for the entire Carolina Beach Music community. His legacy will live on through the music he helped create, the lives he touched, and the countless memories made by fans who found joy in his performances.
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