Troy Gentry was one of two men killed in N.J. helicopter crash

Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Country music star Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry was one of two people killed in a New Jersey helicopter crash Friday, the band announced.

"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 p.m. today in Medford, New Jersey," the band's website said. "The duo was scheduled to perform tonight at the Flying W Airport & Resort in Medford. Troy Gentry was 50 years old. 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 Schweiter 269 helicopter crashed into a wooded area near the Flying W Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

Medford Township Police Chief Richard Meder said authorities received a call about the "distressed" helicopter and arrived on the scene before the crash.

"Shortly after our arrival, the helicopter did go down. It went into a field south of the airport," Meder said.

Montgomery Gentry was scheduled to perform at the airport later Friday, but the concert was canceled due to a "situation," the airport said before the music group announced Gentry's death.

A helicopter flying school is based at the airport, but Meder said it's not clear if the aircraft that crashed was affiliated with it. He identified the two occupants of the helicopter only as adult males. One of the occupants was alive upon being pulled from the wreckage but later died at Virtua Hospital Marlton.