The group was supposed to perform Friday at the Flying W Airport & Resort in Medford, N.J.

As one half of Montgomery Gentry, Troy Gentry — who died Friday in a helicopter crash — helped the country music duo become a successful act in the genre, launching countless hits, winning multiple awards and reaching platinum status throughout the 2000s. The group was supposed to perform Friday at the Flying W Airport & Resort in Medford, N.J. (Photo by Owen Sweeney/Invision/AP, File)

FILE - In this Nov. 9, 2011 file photo, Eddie Montgomery, left, and Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry arrive at the 45th Annual CMA Awards in Nashville, Tenn. Gentry, one half of the award-winning country music duo Montgomery Gentry, died Friday, Sept. 8, 2017, in a helicopter crash, according to a statement from the band’s website. Gentry, 50, was killed hours before the band was set to hit the stage — a second home for the singer and guitarist from Kentucky. A statement was released on Friday on behalf of Montgomery Gentry:

“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 1:00 p.m. today in Medford, New Jersey. Advertisement

Image: The crash happened hours before the duo was due to perform a concert

"The duo was scheduled to perform tonight at the Flying W Airport & Resort in Medford. Troy Gentry’s family wishes to acknowledge all of the kind thoughts and prayers, and asks for privacy at this time.”

A Montgomery Gentry concert planned for Friday at the airport was canceled an hour after the crash, according to the report. Born April 5th, 1967 in Lexington, Kentucky, Gentry and his eventual singing partner Eddie Montgomery formed the band Early Tymz with Eddie's brother John Michael Montgomery, who'd go on to solo success as a country singer. Heartbroken and in disbelief.”

Montgomery Gentry’s latest album was 2015’s “Folks Like Us.” It featured the song “Two Old Friends,” which describes the longstanding bond between Montgomery and Gentry.
A helicopter crashes in Medford, New Jersey, leaving two people dead, including singer Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry.