The music world, particularly the Texas country music scene, was shaken by the sudden and tragic death of Justin Carter, a promising rising star in the industry. At just 35 years old, Carter died on March 16, 2025, after suffering a gunshot wound during the filming of a music video at his apartment in Houston, Texas. What should have been a celebratory moment for the artist and his crew turned into an unfortunate tragedy, leaving the music community mourning the loss of a deeply talented individual whose career had just begun to soar.
This tragic incident not only cut short a promising life but also raised important questions about safety on film sets, particularly regarding the use of prop guns and the protocols in place to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Here, we explore Carter’s life, career, and the circumstances surrounding his death, as well as the legacy he leaves behind.
The Rise of Justin Carter: A Country Music Star in the Making
Born and raised in Texas, Justin Carter had always been passionate about country music. Growing up in a family with deep roots in the Lone Star State, Carter’s love for country music was a natural fit. His deep, resonant voice and charisma quickly made him stand out in the local music scene. By the time he was in his 30s, Carter had already built a devoted fan base, with many seeing him as the next big thing in country music.
Carter’s music was characterized by the classic country sounds he loved, infused with a modern twist that appealed to both traditional country fans and a younger generation. His music reflected his life experiences, often touching on themes of love, heartbreak, and the everyday struggles of life in Texas. With his independent spirit and his commitment to his craft, Carter quickly became a beloved figure within the Texas country music scene, known for his authenticity and his passion for storytelling through song.
A New Beginning with Triple Threat Management
In the weeks leading up to his tragic death, Carter was on the cusp of a major breakthrough. After years of hard work and independent releases, he had signed a management deal with Triple Threat Management, a company known for working with up-and-coming country music talent. This contract was a significant milestone in Carter’s career, and it marked the beginning of what seemed to be a bright future in the country music industry.
Along with signing the management deal, Carter had recently released his single, “Love Affair,” on digital platforms like iTunes and Spotify. The song was gaining traction and quickly became popular among country music fans. The release was an exciting moment for Carter, as he was beginning to see the fruits of his labor and was hopeful for what the future would hold.
In addition to his single, Carter had posted five independently produced music videos to his YouTube channel over the past two months. These videos were a reflection of his growing talent and the direction he wanted to take in his career. His style was unmistakably Texas country, with influences ranging from George Strait to modern stars like Luke Combs and Cody Johnson.
With his new management team in place and his music gaining attention, Carter seemed poised for greatness. His management team at Triple Threat, led by Mark Atherton, was equally excited about his potential. Atherton had been quoted as saying that Carter had the potential to be the next Garth Brooks, one of the most iconic country music stars of all time. The sky seemed to be the limit for the young artist.
The Tragic Accident on Set
However, Carter’s promising future was tragically cut short on the morning of March 16, 2025, when an accidental shooting occurred during the filming of a music video at his apartment. According to reports, a prop gun was being used for the video production, and it accidentally discharged, striking Carter in the corner of his eye. The gunshot wound was fatal, and Carter was rushed to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The details surrounding the accident are still under investigation, but it appears that the shooting was purely accidental. Carter’s mother, Cindy McClellan, explained in an emotional statement that the gun had been placed in Carter’s pocket, and it was not intentional. “The gun went off and caught my son in the corner of his eye,” she said. The Clearwater Police Department responded to the scene, and there were no signs of foul play or suspicious activity. The incident is being treated as an accidental death.
The Impact on Carter’s Family and Friends
The news of Carter’s death has left his family, friends, and fans devastated. His mother, Cindy McClellan, has spoken publicly about the pain of losing her son, who had so much potential. In addition to her grief, McClellan has set up a fund to cover funeral expenses while she waits to see if Carter’s military service will qualify him for Veterans Affairs (VA) assistance. Carter was an Army veteran, and his family is hoping that his service will help with the financial burden of his passing.
In a statement posted on Carter’s official Facebook page, his family expressed their sorrow and gratitude for the outpouring of support. “Justin always wanted to reach the top. It’s unfortunate it has to be this way, but Justin’s name is worldwide now & his music,” the statement read. The family has received an outpouring of condolences from fans and the music industry alike, who have praised Carter for his talent, kindness, and dedication to his craft.
The Music Industry Reacts to the Loss
The loss of Justin Carter has deeply affected the country music community. Carter’s manager, Mark Atherton, has described him as someone with immense potential. “Justin had the potential in our eyes and a lot of people’s eyes to be the next Garth Brooks,” Atherton said. He recalled Carter’s playful personality and work ethic, noting that while he could be “the class clown” at times, he was always serious when it came to his music.
Many of Carter’s peers in the country music scene have shared their condolences, remembering him as a talented and hardworking artist. His death has also raised awareness about the risks associated with using prop weapons on film sets, especially when safety protocols are not strictly followed.
The incident has sparked a conversation about the importance of proper training and safety measures when using props in the entertainment industry. While prop guns are commonly used in film and music video productions, their misuse or mishandling can lead to serious accidents, as was the case with Carter.
A Legacy of Music and Talent
Despite his tragic and untimely death, Justin Carter’s music will live on. He was an artist who poured his heart and soul into every song he wrote and performed. His music, particularly his independent releases, was gaining recognition, and it is clear that he had a bright future ahead of him.
Carter’s voice and lyrics resonated with his fans, and his authenticity made him stand out in an industry that can often be filled with formulaic performances. He was a true artist who connected with his audience on a personal level, and his music will continue to inspire others for years to come.
In addition to his music, Carter’s personality and spirit will be remembered. Those who knew him described him as kind-hearted, generous, and always willing to help others. His family, friends, and fans will remember him not just for his music but for the joy and positivity he brought to everyone he met.
Moving Forward: Honoring Justin Carter’s Memory
In the wake of Justin Carter’s tragic death, his family and friends are determined to honor his memory. His music will continue to be available for fans to listen to, and his legacy as a Texas country artist will remain strong. His story serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety in all aspects of the entertainment industry.
While the music industry has lost a rising star, Justin Carter’s impact on country music and his fans will never be forgotten. He may have left us too soon, but his music, his spirit, and his memory will continue to inspire all who were touched by his artistry.