What Country Singer Died in Helicopter Crash?
The country music scene was left reeling with the tragic news of Kenny Rogers’ band member, Allen Freehling’s death after a helicopter crash in Tennessee. But, you’re probably thinking of a bigger name, right? Unfortunately, the answer is Troy Gentry, also known as Half of the duo Montgomery Gentry. Here’s the story behind his untimely death.
Who was Troy Gentry?
Montgomery Gentry was an American country music duo consisting of Troy Gentry (born August 5, 1967) and Eddie Montgomery (born June 17, 1950). The duo rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s with their unique blend of country, rock, and southern rock. Their chart-topping hits included "My Town", "Hillbilly Shoes", and "Gone".
The Accident
On September 8, 2017, Troy Gentry was onboard a helicopter that crashed and caught fire in a nearby field in Lebanon, Tennessee. The helicopter, a Bell 206, was headed to a festival in New Jersey where the duo was scheduled to perform. Troy Gentry, 50, was the only fatality in the crash. Pilot James " Robbie" Robinson, 52, was seriously injured. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) began an investigation into the crash, which is still ongoing.
The Aftermath
The country music community was devastated by the loss of Troy Gentry. Eddie Montgomery released a statement saying, "Troy was more like a brother than a partner. He was the right-hand man, the heart and soul of Montgomery Gentry. We will not be the same without him." Other country singers, including Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, and Tim McGraw, paid tribute to Troy Gentry on social media.
Troy Gentry’s Legacy
In the years following his passing, Troy Gentry’s music has continued to reach new fans. Sales of Montgomery Gentry’s music increased by 75% in the two weeks following his death, according to Nielsen Music. The duo’s social media following also saw a significant surge, with followers increasing by 30,000 on Facebook alone. Troy Gentry’s voice and legacy continue to live on through his music and the memories of his friends and fans.
Similar Tragic Incidents in Country Music
Sadly, Troy Gentry’s death is not the only tragedy to strike the country music world. Here are some other notable incidents:
• Patsy Cline (1963): The country music icon died in a plane crash at the age of 30.
• Jim Reeves (1964): The country singer died in a plane crash at the age of 39.
• John Denver (1997): The popular singer-songwriter died in a plane crash at the age of 53.
• Kenny Rogers’ band member, Freddy Weller (2005): The guitarist was killed in a helicopter crash at the age of 61.
Conclusion
Troy Gentry’s death was a tragic reminder of the risks and dangers that come with the career of a country singer. His music and legacy continue to inspire and entertain fans worldwide. As we remember Troy Gentry and the impact he had on the country music scene, we also acknowledge the sacrifices made by artists and their teams to bring their music to the world.
