Troy Gentry Killed in Helicopter Crash in Medford, N.J.
Montgomery Gentry's Troy Gentry was killed on Friday afternoon (Sept. 8) in a helicopter crash in Medford, N.J., at the Flying W Airport & Resort. The duo was scheduled to perform at the Flying W on Friday night.
"It is with great sadness that we confirm that Troy Gentry, half of the popular country duo, Montgomery Gentry, was tragically killed in a helicopter crash," a press release from the duo's record label, Average Joes Entertainment, states. "Details of the crash are unknown. Troy Gentry's family wishes to acknowledge all of the kind thoughts and prayers, and asks for privacy at this time."
The Courier-Post, located in Cherry Hill, N.J., reports that a Schweitzer 269 helicopter crashed at the Flying W Airport, located on Fostertown Road, around 12:30PM ET, in a wooded area near the end of Runway 1. According to USA Today, the helicopter was in distress and was approaching the airport when it crashed; according to 9-1-1 audio, the helicopter was experiencing "mechanical issues" prior to crashing, and went down as emergency crews arrived at the scene.
Gentry was removed from the wreckage at the scene but was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, USA Today reports. Eddie Montgomery, Gentry's duo partner, was at the airport when the helicopter crashed, along with members of their band, and they were taken to the hospital to see Gentry.
In addition to Gentry, the helicopter's pilot, James Evan Robinson, died in the crash. Crews worked for hours to remove his body from the wreck.
Around 2PM ET on Friday, the Flying W posted on Facebook that Montgomery Gentry's concert that night had been canceled. No further details were given at that time, but the post notes that "information on refunds will be posted within the next week." Taste of Country reports that, when reached by phone, a venue representative would not comment except to say the show was canceled.
Gentry, who was 50 years old when he died, was born in Lexington, Ky., on April 5, 1967. In 1990, Montgomery formed a band with his brother, singer John Michael Montgomery, and Gentry; when John Michael Montgomery's career began taking off, however, Gentry tried a solo career himself, then reunited with Eddie Montgomery.
Montgomery Gentry signed to Columbia Nashville in 1999. The duo released eight studio albums, three of which have been certified platinum; some of their biggest hits include "Something to Be Proud of," "Lucky Man" and "My Town." All together, Montgomery Gentry earned five No. 1 singles; they were also named Top New Vocal Duo or Group at the ACM Awards and Vocal Duo of the Year at the CMA Awards, both in the year 2000. In 2009, Montgomery Gentry were invited to join the Grand Ole Opry.
Gentry married his wife Angie on Dec. 14, 1999. Together, they had one child, Kaylee; Gentry also has a daughter, Taylor, from a previous marriage. Angie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 and beat the disease with her husband by her side.
Funeral arrangements for Gentry are pending; The Boot will share them, as well as any further details of the crash, as they are released.
Country Artists Remember Troy Gentry