Tragedy has struck George Strait’s band as his longtime drummer, Mike Kennedy, was killed in a car accident in Tennessee on Friday.
According to reports, the 59-year old was killed when the GMC Sierra he was driving struck a tractor-trailer before colliding with a pickup. The accident took place on I-40 in Wilson County and caused interstate delays for several hours. Kennedy was the only fatality in the accident. “Kennedy was not wearing a seat belt, but investigators said it wouldn’t have saved him anyway,” said The Tennessean.
Kennedy played drums for George Strait’s Ace in the Hole Band for 30 years, and previously played for Ricky Skaggs, Barbara Fairchild, and Bill Anderson.
George Strait’s production manager, Paul Rogers, addressed Kennedy’s death on Twitter saying, “The heart beat of our band is gone. Not sure how we will get back on stage without him. But we must. Much love and respect my dear friend Mike Kennedy.”
The heart beat of our band is gone. Not sure how we will get back on stage without him. But we must. Much love and respect my dear friend Mike Kennedy.
— Paul Rogers (@PAULDROGERZ) September 1, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike Kennedy’s family and friends. He will be greatly missed.