Truck crash claims the life of George Strait drummer

The long-time drummer for country music star George Strait was killed in a multi-vehicle crash near Nashville, Tennessee, over the weekend.

Just before 4 p.m. on Friday, August 31, 59 year old drummer Mike Kennedy was driving west on I-40 when he merged into another lane, crashing into a semi truck. This collision caused the semi truck to hit a pickup truck, according to WTHR.

Kennedy died as a result of the crash. No one else was injured.

George Strait released a statement on Kennedy’s death:

“”Hard to put into words how much Mike’s passing has affected us all. Our hearts are broken. It’s going to be very strange not being able to look over and see him there in his spot on stage and very emotional as well I’m sure for all of us and also his fans. The band will never be the same. A part of us is gone forever. We all loved Mike and will miss him terribly. He was just as solid a friend to us all as he was a drummer, and that was damn solid. Our hearts and prayers are with his family. The Lord has him now. Rest In Peace my friend.”

Kennedy had played as Strait’s drummer for thirty years.

The crash remains under investigation.