Band of Oz Member Dies in Crash on I-95 in North Carolina

Howard Douglas Winstead Jr. was killed when his van collided with a tanker truck on the interstate near Erwin, North Carolina.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:51am

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An abstract illustration composed of sharp, angular shapes in dark blue, grey, and black, conveying the collision of a vehicle and a tanker truck on a winding road, without depicting any specific people, places, or objects.A tragic collision on the open road claims the life of a beloved regional musician, underscoring the risks faced by those who travel the highways.Concord Today

A member of the popular beach music band Band of Oz, Howard Douglas Winstead Jr., died early Saturday morning when his van crashed into the rear of a tanker truck on Interstate 95 in Harnett County, North Carolina. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol said Winstead's 2019 Chrysler Pacifica failed to slow down and collided with the back of the 2025 Peterbilt tanker truck, which had slowed due to traffic ahead.

Why it matters

The Band of Oz is a beloved regional beach music group that has performed along the Carolina coast for decades. Winstead's death is a tragic loss for the band and the broader beach music community, which is closely connected in the Carolinas.

The details

According to the highway patrol, the crash occurred around 2:20 a.m. near mile marker 70 on I-95 north, close to the Pope Road exit. Winstead, 67, of Concord, North Carolina, was pronounced dead at the scene. The 35-year-old driver of the tanker truck, from Angier, North Carolina, was not injured.

  • The crash occurred around 2:20 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2026.
  • I-95 northbound was closed for several hours but reopened to traffic just after 5:45 a.m.

The players

Howard Douglas Winstead Jr.

A 67-year-old member of the popular beach music band Band of Oz, known for his work on horns and vocals.

Band of Oz

A regional beach music group that has performed along the Carolina coast for decades and was scheduled to play at an upcoming event in Halifax, North Carolina.

North Carolina State Highway Patrol

The law enforcement agency investigating the fatal crash on Interstate 95.

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What they’re saying

“My heart is broken! I can't believe this. Thoughts and Prayers go out to the Family and Friends of Doug Winstead of the Band of Oz.”

— Carolina Beach Music Awards, Organization

“We just wanted to let everyone know that our [event] is still on for [Sunday] & we are unbelievably grateful to the Band of Oz for their dedication, especially during this extremely difficult time.”

— Town of Halifax, Organization

What’s next

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol said the investigation into the crash is still ongoing.

The takeaway

This tragic accident has deeply impacted the close-knit beach music community in the Carolinas, who are mourning the loss of a beloved performer and celebrating the Band of Oz's continued dedication to their fans during this difficult time.