Montgomery Gentry singer Troy Gentry was killed in a helicopter crash on Friday, the award-winning country act confirmed in a statement.
He was just 50 years old.
The band said earlier today:
“It is with great sadness that we confirm that Troy Gentry, half of the popular country duo, Montgomery Gentry, was tragically killed.”
Gentry perished “in a helicopter crash which took place at approximately 1:00pm today in Medford, New Jersey,” the band confirmed.
The 50-year-old country star was scheduled to perform with bandmate Eddie Montgomery at the Flying W Airport and Resort in Medford.
Scheduled for tonight, their concert was cancelled immediately. “Details of the crash are unknown,” the post tragically continues.
“Troy Gentry’s family wishes to acknowledge all of the kind thoughts and prayers, and asks for privacy at this time.”
The Courier-Post in New Jersey reported Friday that an aircraft went down at the Flying W Airport with two people on board.
The Associated Press reported the pilot also died.
A spokeswoman for the FAA told the Courier-Post a Schweitzer 269 “crashed in a wooded area off the end of runway 1.”
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will soon begin an investigation; TV stations tweeted pictures of the crash scene.
From hits “Hillbilly Shoes” to “Headlights,” Montgomery Gentry has become one of the most identifiable duos in recent country music.
The Kentucky-based duo formed in the late ’90s and has released six studio albums, becoming something of an institution in the genre.
The band was nominated for a Grammy in 2008 for their tune “Lucky Man” and was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2009.
On their website, Gentry said their long-running popularity is due to the “chemistry” between himself and Eddie Montgomery.
“It’s a chemistry that’s worked for years,” Gentry said.
“We have two separate singing styles that when they come together, they’re very identifiable. It doesn’t get old or get sterile.”
“The back and forth between our vocals definitely keeps you listening,” he added, “and keeps you interested in the song.”
Gentry leaves behind wife Angie and two daughters, Kaylee and Taylor. Our hearts go out to them. May Troy rest in peace.
