Gentry Killed In Chopper Crash
Troy Gentry, half of the popular country duo Montgomery Gentry, died in a helicopter crash last Friday afternoon in Medford, New Jersey. He was 50. The pilot of the helicopter also died in the crash, which happened around 1pm Friday. Gentry’s partner, Eddie Montgomery was not aboard the helicopter at the time of the crash. Variety reports the duo had been scheduled to perform Friday night at the Flying W Airport & Resort in Medford.
The Federal Aviation Administration told NJ.com that a Schweizer 269 helicopter had crashed into a wooded area off Runway 1 at the Flying W Airport & Resort. Medford Township Police Chief Richard Meder said authorities received a call about a “distressed” helicopter around 1pm. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash.
The Kentucky-based duo was formed in the late ’90s, and had five No. 1 singles, including “If You Ever Stop Loving Me”, “Something to Be Proud Of”, “Lucky Man”, “Back When I Knew It All” and “Roll with Me.” They were named Vocal Duo of the Year by both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association in 2000, and were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2009.
The sad news of Gentry’s death was confirmed in a statement posted on the band’s Twitter feed. The statement concluded, “Troy Gentry’s family wishes to acknowledge all of the kind thoughts and prayers, and asks for privacy at this time.” Gentry is survived by his wife, Angie McClure and daughters, Kaylee and Taylor.
