Troy Gentry, a member of country duo “Montgomery Gentry,” has died in a helicopter crash!
The 50-year-old musician perished along with his pilot, 30-year-old James Evan Robinson, when the copter crashed in a Medford, NJ field just south of the Flying W Airport. Gentry had a scheduled gig that night at the resort where the airport is located.
“Troy Gentry’s family wishes to acknowledge all of the kind thoughts and prayers, and asks for privacy at this time,” said a statement on the band’s official website.
The helicopter had been in distress shortly before it crashed. Robinson was pronounced dead at the scene while Gentry later died at a local hospital.
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Montgomery Gentry formed in 1999 and recorded many hit songs throughout their career, with five reaching the top of the Billboard country music charts. They earned “Duo of the Year” honors at both the CMA Awards and ACM Awards in 2000 along with multiple nominations over the years.
The group are members of both the Grand Old Opry and Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.
Gentry is survived by his wife Angie and two children, including one from a previous marriage. Members of the country music community such as Brad Paisley and Sheryl Crow posted tributes to Gentry on social media.
The circumstances surrounding the helicopter crash remain under investigation.
