The chopper hovered in distressed for several minutes
Mechanical issues seem to be the cause of the helicopter crash that killed Montgomery Gentry’s Troy Gentry yesterday (Fri, Sept 8th). The Blast has obtained the 911 audio that was made to Burlington County, NJ officials reporting mechanical issues as the pilot was waiting for assistance before making an emergency landing at the Flying W Airport in Medford, N.J.
The chopper was hovering in distress over a wooded area near the airport for several minutes before crashing. Emergency personnel arrived, but the chopper crashed before the fire department could get there for assistance. Gentry and the pilot both died. The Blast says Gentry was extricated from the chopper’s passenger seat and transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Gentry’s partner, Eddie Montgomery, was not on board as he and the band were waiting at the airport for Gentry’s arrival. The crash happened hours before the duo were scheduled to perform a show the same night at the airport which is also a resort. The show was canceled immediately following the crash, but before Gentry was identified as a victim.
The incident is under investigation and more details will be released as they become available.
The duo’s team released a statement shortly after Gentry was identified, confirming the news. “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 which took place at approximately 1:00pm today in Medford, New Jersey. The duo was scheduled to perform tonight at the Flying W Airport & Resort in Medford. Troy Gentry was 50 years old.”
Gentry leaves behind a wife of 18 years and two teenage children and many, many friends in the music community. The duo were working on a new album with Average Joe’s Entertainment. No word on the future of the project or Montgomery’s plans.
