Montgomery Gentry's record label, Average Joes Entertainment, is mourning the death of the duo's Troy Gentry in a helicopter crash on Friday (Sept. 8). In a press release, however, label executives say that fans will get to hear one final album from Gentry and duo partner Eddie Montgomery.

According to the press release, sent on Saturday morning (Sept. 9), Montgomery Gentry re-signed with Average Joes in 2016, and "recently" finished up a new album for the label.

“I am heartbroken at the loss of Troy,” says Colt Ford, Average Joes Entertainment's co-founder, in the release. “He was truly a gifted artist and fine human being, and I’m proud I could call him my friend. His impact on country music will not be forgotten.”

Adds Average Joes CEO / President Shannon Houchins, "I, along with everyone here at Average Joes, am devastated by the news of Troy’s passing. Personally, there are no words to express the sadness I feel for Troy’s family and for Eddie Montgomery. Troy was an exceptional talent, an exceptional person and a good friend. We will all miss him greatly.”

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Around 12:30PM ET on Friday, a Schweitzer 269 helicopter crashed at the Flying W Airport, located on Fostertown Road in Medford, in a wooded area near the end of Runway 1. The helicopter was in distress and was approaching the airport when it crashed; according to 9-1-1 audio, the helicopter was experiencing “mechanical issues” prior to crashing, and went down as emergency crews arrived at the scene. Around 2PM ET on Friday, the Flying W posted on Facebook that Montgomery Gentry’s concert, scheduled to take place at the venue that night, had been canceled; no further details were given at that time.

“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,” a press release from Average Joes Entertainment shared later on Friday afternoon. “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.”

Gentry was removed from the wreckage at the scene but was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Montgomery was at the airport when the helicopter crashed, along with members of their band, and they were taken to the hospital to see Gentry.

In addition to Gentry, the helicopter’s pilot, James Evan Robinson, died in the crash. Crews worked for hours to remove his body from the wreck.

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