New Details Have Emerged Around the Shocking Death of Country Star Troy Gentry

Photo credit: AP
Photo credit: AP

From Country Living

Troy Gentry, half of the country music duo Montgomery Gentry, died Friday after a helicopter crash in New Jersey. Now, details are emerging about that fatal crash, and about how Gentry's fans and loved ones are set to celebrate his life.

People reports that the helicopter trip Gentry took was an "impromptu, spur of the moment" idea. But after the helicopter took off, the pilot encountered some issues, and didn't have any good choices to avert the fatal crash. NJ.com reports the helicopter was having mechanical issues, and the pilot had to wait for the fire department before trying to land.

Photo credit: AP
Photo credit: AP

"Not long after takeoff, the pilot announced over the airport frequency – which was being monitored by a number of people – that he was having difficulty controlling engine RPM," Brian Rayner, senior air safety investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board, told People. "The helicopter landed short of the runway in low brush, it was substantially damaged and the occupants were fatally injured." There will be a full report about the crash released next week.

The Flying W Airport, where Montgomery Gentry was supposed to perform, issued the following statement on their website:

"Yesterday the day started with such excitement as the Montgomery Gentry bus rolled through our gates. The nicest people got off the bus and joined us on the ramp for what we hoped would be the best concert we have ever had. Sadly this was not to be. Instead the day turned to tragedy as a helicopter accident took the lives of the pilot and Mr. Gentry. No words can describe the sadness that the Flying W employees feel for the families. We will be processing refunds throughout the next week to your credit cards. Thank you for your patience and understanding at this difficult time."

Helicopter Flight Services, the company that operated the helicopter ride, posted on Facebook in remembrance of James Evan Robinson, the pilot who was also killed in the flight. Robinson, originally from Georgia, was a helicopter pilot at the flight school at the airport. "May God shine his light on you and keep you safe in his arms," they wrote.

It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to our dear friend. May God shine his light on you and keep you safe in his...

Posted by Helicopter Flight Services on Saturday, September 9, 2017

The Grand Ole Opry will hold a public memorial service for Gentry on Thursday, and will also stream the ceremony online. After the service, Gentry's loved ones will hold a private interment. His family has asked for donations to the T.J. Martell Foundation or the American Red Cross.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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