Popular NJ Country Band Mourns Bassist, 32, Who Died Last Week

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — The 32-year-old Jefferson man who was crushed and killed by his own car last week, Jerry Leach, is being mourned by his fellow bandmates.

Last week, Leach was found wedged beneath his car as neighbors and police officers struggled to pull him out from under the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Related: NJ Man Dies After Being Pinned Beneath His Own Car, Cops Say

Leach was the bassist of “Not Leaving Sober,” a popular country/southern rock band that played gigs across the East Coast, specifically in New Jersey.

Members of “Not Leaving Sober” credited Leach for helping launch the band’s popularity over the last four years. He started out as a friend of the band, and ended up becoming an integral part of the group’s chemistry and success, members say.

“Jerry was much more than the lovable musician you saw on the stage. Off the stage, he was a genuine friend not just to us, but to all of the people who came out to the shows and everyone he came in contact with,” a band statement read. “Jerry would give you the shirt off his back and the last dollar he had in his wallet — something every member of the band can say he did in some form or another at some point.”

Leach is remembered not only for his kindness but also for his onstage presence. Bandmates say his “HOSSSS” during “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy” and his famous “WOO” during “Friends in Low Places” would be remembered fondly. If he could make his bandmates laugh and forget the lyrics, his mission was successful, they added.

“The reality is, after a tragedy like this, the next few months are going to be extremely tough for all of us — the band and the collective that has grown around us, those who have always come out to support us and people who have just joined the family,” Not Leaving Sober says. “But we realize that we owe it to Jerry to keep going. Jerry was very clear that he just wanted to see the band succeed, and for us, the only way to honor him is to keep that promise.

“We will never forget our friend,” the band says. “He will be a part of every show, every practice, every cheers, every celebration.”

Click here to read Leach’s obituary.