UPDATE (Friday, Sept. 8, 3:15 p.m.) -- The Kern County Fair issued a statement on Friday following the news about Gentry's death:

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Montgomery Gentry's official website says Troy Gentry, half of the country duo, has died in a New Jersey helicopter crash.

The band was scheduled to play at the Kern County Fair on September 28.

READ THE STATEMENT ON THE BAND'S WEBSITE:

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 1:00pm today in Medford, New Jersey.  The duo was scheduled to perform tonight at the Flying W Airport & Resort in Medford. Troy Gentry was 50 years old. 

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.