Joshua “Nassaru” Ward, the talented vocalist and drummer of the renowned North Carolina death metal band Voraath, tragically lost his life in a devastating drunk driving accident on New Year’s Eve. This heartbreaking incident has left fans and loved ones in shock and mourning.

On that fateful night, Ward, along with his girlfriend and two friends, was exiting a driveway on Cooley Bridge Road near Greenville, S.C., when their SUV was violently struck by a sedan. According to reports from The Independent, the collision caused the SUV to veer off the road and crash into a tree, resulting in catastrophic consequences.

The horrific accident claimed the lives of all four occupants in the SUV. Joshua Ward was just 37 years old and is survived by his young son, Kai, who will now grow up without his father.

The driver of the sedan, identified as Nicholas Shane Meeks, was found to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Remarkably, he only suffered minor injuries from the collision. Following the incident, he was arrested by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and charged with four counts of felony DUI resulting in death, in addition to being charged for driving on a suspended license.

As reported by Lambgoat, this was not Meeks’ first brush with the law; he had faced DUI charges previously in March 2024, raising serious concerns about his behavior and the safety of those on the road.

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In the wake of Ward’s untimely passing, a GoFundMe campaign was initiated to help cover the funeral expenses. The campaign description reflects the profound impact Ward had on those around him: “Josh dedicated his life to the music he created, the martial arts he practiced, and the love he had for his son, Kai.”

So far, over $13,500 has been raised through this initiative. Once the funeral and memorial costs are settled, any remaining funds will be allocated to support Ward’s son, ensuring that his legacy lives on.

Currently, Voraath has not made any public posts regarding Ward’s tragic death on their Facebook page. However, their last update before the incident indicated that they were actively working on their sophomore album, showcasing their commitment to their craft.

Ward’s final post on social media featured a heartwarming image of him and his son, captured just hours before the tragic accident, highlighting the deep bond they shared.

Loudwire extends heartfelt condolences to Joshua Ward’s family, friends, and fans during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Joshua; your music and legacy will always be remembered.