## The Energy of Montgomery Gentry
For nearly two decades, the duo Montgomery Gentry was the wild, energetic heart of Country rock. Comprising Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry, the Kentucky natives scored numerous number-one hits, including ‘My Town’ and ‘Something to Be Proud Of.’ Troy, known as the ‘T-Roy’ half of the duo, provided the high harmonies, the wide smile, and the boundless energy that kept fans coming back year after year.
## A Pre-Show Tragedy
On September 8, 2017, Montgomery Gentry was scheduled to perform a concert at the Flying W Airport and Resort in Medford, New Jersey. Earlier that afternoon, Troy decided to take a spontaneous sightseeing ride in a small Schweizer 269 helicopter. Minutes after taking off, the pilot reported mechanical issues to the ground crew.
## A Devastating Impact
The helicopter spun out of control and crashed into a wooded area just shy of the runway, mere hours before the concert was to begin. The pilot was killed instantly, and Troy Gentry was pulled from the wreckage in critical condition, but tragically died at a local hospital at the age of 50. The sudden, violent loss left Eddie Montgomery without his ‘brother’ and the Country music community in a state of deep shock.