Voraath's Joshua Nassaru Ward (37) and three more killed by drunk driver on New Year's Eve

Update: A GoFundMe has been started to cover funeral costs. Donations are also set to go into a memorial fund for Ward's son, who he sadly leaves behind. 

Tragedy struck the North Carolina death metal scene last night, December 31st, as Voraath vocalist, drummer, and composer Joshua Nassaru Ward lost his life in a devastating car accident caused by drunk driving. Ward's girlfriend and two friends also perished in the crash.

The accident occurred on Cooley Bridge Road in Belton, SC, when Ward's Subaru SUV was struck by a 2012 BMW driven by 31-year-old Nicholas Shane Meeks as it backed out of a private drive. The impact forced Meeks' vehicle off the road and into a tree. All four occupants of Ward's SUV were pronounced dead at the scene. Meeks sustained minor injuries.

Reports indicate one of the vehicles caught fire, though authorities have yet to confirm which one. The Greenville County Coroner's Office has identified two of the victims, but the remaining identities will be released after scientific confirmation.

Meeks, who was arrested at the scene, has been charged with four counts of felony DUI involving death. Earlier today, Greenville County Magistrate Judge denied him bond. Court records show Meeks was previously convicted of DUI in March 2024 and was driving about a mile away from his home on a suspended license at the time of the crash.