Troy Gentry Obituary, Kentucky, Death: 9 Years After His Death, Country Music Fans Remember Montgomery Gentry Star

LEXINGTON, Kentucky — Nine years after the death of country music star Troy Gentry, fans and fellow country music figures continue to remember the Kentucky-born entertainer for his music, stage presence and enduring contribution to the genre.

Gentry, born April 5, 1967, in Lexington, Kentucky, died on September 8, 2017, at age 50 following a helicopter crash in Medford, New Jersey. He was a member of the country duo Montgomery Gentry, alongside Eddie Montgomery.

The crash happened at the Flying W Airport in Medford, where Montgomery Gentry was scheduled to perform that evening. The helicopter developed an engine-control problem during the flight and crashed while attempting to land. The pilot also died in the accident. A subsequent National Transportation Safety Board investigation attributed the crash to the pilot’s failure to maintain rotor rpm during the forced landing, with improperly rigged throttle-control components identified as a contributing factor.

Gentry’s musical career was closely tied to his partnership with Eddie Montgomery. The two formed Montgomery Gentry in the 1990s and went on to become one of country music’s prominent duos, recording numerous popular songs and earning major industry recognition. The duo won the CMA Award for Vocal Duo of the Year in 2000, among other honors.

His death brought an immediate outpouring of grief across the country music community. Nine years later, Gentry remains remembered not only for the songs he helped create but also for the career and musical legacy he built with Montgomery.

As the anniversary of his passing arrives, tributes to Troy Gentry continue to reflect the lasting impression he left on country music and on the many fans who followed his career.