Band of Oz Member Killed in I-95 Crash

Longtime beach music performer dies in early morning accident in Harnett County.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:35pm

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A minimalist black silhouette of a vintage microphone against a bold red background, conceptually representing the loss of a musical performer.The tragic death of a beloved beach music icon leaves a void in the regional music scene.Dunn Today

A member of the popular beach music group Band of Oz was killed in a crash on Interstate 95 in Dunn, North Carolina early Saturday morning. The wreck occurred around 2:16 a.m. near Pope Road in Harnett County when the victim's vehicle crashed into the back of a slowed tanker truck.

Why it matters

The Band of Oz is a beloved regional act known for their beach music performances, and the loss of one of their members will be deeply felt by their loyal fanbase and the broader beach music community. The deadly crash also highlights the dangers of late-night highway driving and the need for increased safety measures.

The details

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, 67-year-old Howard Douglas Winstead Jr. of Concord was driving a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica northbound on I-95 when he crashed into the back of a 2025 Peterbilt tanker truck that had slowed due to traffic ahead. The truck was driven by 35-year-old Justin Broderick of Angier.

  • The crash occurred around 2:16 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2026.
  • The Band of Oz was scheduled to perform at the 40th Annual Carolina Beach Music Festival in June 2026.

The players

Howard Douglas Winstead Jr.

A 67-year-old member of the beach music group Band of Oz who was killed in the I-95 crash.

Justin Broderick

The 35-year-old driver of the Peterbilt tanker truck that was struck by Winstead's vehicle.

Band of Oz

A popular regional beach music group that was scheduled to perform at an upcoming festival.

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What’s next

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.

The takeaway

The tragic loss of a beloved Band of Oz member highlights the need for increased highway safety measures, especially during late-night driving conditions, to prevent such devastating accidents in the future.