Troy Gentry, Country Music Singer, Killed In South Jersey Helicopter Crash

MEDFORD, NJ — Country music star Troy Gentry is one of two people who were killed in a helicopter crash in South Jersey Friday afternoon, the Montgomery Gentry duo announced late Friday afternoon.

"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," according to a post on the duo's Facebook page. "The duo was scheduled to perform tonight at the Flying W Airport & Resort in Medford. Troy Gentry was 50 years old."

The 50-year-0ld Gentry, of Franklin, Tennessee, was killed in the crash that took place near Flying W Airport in Medford. The pilot, 30-year-old James Evan Robinson, was also killed in the crash, Medford Township Police Chief Richard Meder said Friday night. Robinson was originally from Georgia, but had been living in Medford. On his Facebook page, he is identified as a Commercial Pilot/Flight Instructor.

The Schweitzer 269 helicopter crashed off Runway 1, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, which is investigating the crash. The helicopter was trying to land and became "distressed" just before it crashed.

Gentry was extricated from the helicopter and was taken Virtua Hospital in Marlton, where he was later pronounced dead. Robinson remained trapped in the helicopter, where he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The cause of the crash wasn't immediately known. The National Transportation Safety Board will join the FAA to investigate and determine a probable cause. The helicopter had taken off from the airport, and was returning to the airport before the crash.

One day earlier, the duo sent out a Tweet about the upcoming show.

The duo was best known for its hit song "My Town," and won awards as the top vocal duo of the year by both the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music, as well as the American Music Award for New Country Artist, all in 2000.

Emergency crews from Medford, Lumberton, the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office and Virtua responded to the scene. The Mount Laurel and Evesham Township police departments assisted with traffic control.

Attached image, from left: Artists Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry perform at "1 Night. 1 Place. 1 Time.: A Heroes and Friends Tribute to Randy Travis" at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 in Nashville, Tenn. Gentry was killed in a helicopter crash in Medford, New Jersey, on Friday. (Photo by Laura Roberts/Invision/AP)