An emerging singer died in a rollover accident in Texas earlier this month, officials confirmed Monday.
Taylor Dee, 33, a well-known musician from North Texas, was considered on her way to the star when she was killed in the March 14 wreck in Euless, according to a press release.
Linda Wilson, president of the Texas Country Music Association, said Dee’s death shocked the local music community.
“Taylor Dee was the real deal – a real talent with heart and passion not only for her music, but for the people,” Wilson told the Texas Newsroom.
“In each show, her talent was obvious, but more importantly, it allowed fans to know their heart. He will miss her terribly, “said Wilson.
He left behind two small children – a son, Vayden, and a daughter, River.
Dee, whose legal name was Taylor Dawn Carroll, was driving a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer east on Highway 183 on State Highway around 10:30 p.m., the night of the crash, Euless police said.
She tried to take the exit to Highway 360, but is believed to have missed the turn in a split second, according to local media KTVT.
Her SUV crashed into a barrier and rolled to one side, hitting a sign above her head.
Dee, who was not wearing a seat belt at the time, was expelled from the vehicle, police said.
A male passenger in the truck, wearing a seat belt, suffered a broken toe and was expected to fully recover.
The accident is still under investigation.
Police said the alcohol may have slowed Dee’s reaction time, causing her to miss her turn. Tarrant County Medical Office performed a toxicology test.
Friends and family said she has been a music lover all her life. Her first single, “The Buzz”, was released in June 2019 and received airtime on several local radio stations.