Country and rock musician Jerry Leach has tragically died after a freak accident. According to a report by Wide Open Country, the beloved star was found trapped beneath a vehicle outside his home in New Jersey. Leach was widely known as the bassist for the country rock band “Not Leaving Sober.”
The police responded to an emergency call shortly after 5 p.m. on March 10 in Jefferson Township. When officers arrived, they discovered Leach, 32, pinned beneath the rear tire of a vehicle.
Neighbors quickly rushed to help, working alongside emergency responders to lift the car and reach the musician. The Daily Record reported that despite those efforts, Leach was pronounced dead at the scene. Asbury Park Press reported that investigators from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Morris County Sheriff’s Department Criminal Investigation Division later joined the case. Officials from the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office also responded.
Bandmates Share Emotional Tribute to Their ‘Brother’
Members of “Not Leaving Sober” confirmed the heartbreaking news in a message shared with fans on Instagram, remembering their bandmate as far more than just a musician.
“We are incredibly sad to announce that this past Tuesday, we learned of the passing of our good friend, brother, and bass player, Jerry Leach. This devastating news comes as a shock to all of us. Jerry was far more than a bass player to us — he became a brother who we got to know very closely.”
The group said the loss has been deeply painful for everyone connected to the band and the community that has grown around their music.
“The reality is, after a tragedy like this, the next few months are going to be extremely tough for all of us — the band and the collective that has grown around us, those who have always come out to support us and people who have just joined the family.”
Even in their grief, the band said they believe the best way to honor Leach is to keep the music going.
“But we realize that we owe it to Jerry to keep going. Jerry was very clear that he just wanted to see the band succeed, and for us, the only way to honor him is to keep that promise.”
Jerry Leach’s Passion Helped Shape the Band’s Success
According to his bandmates, Leach first connected with “Not Leaving Sober” after stepping forward when the group was searching for a bassist. What began as a simple offer to help quickly turned into something much deeper. From the start, they said, Leach threw himself into the music with remarkable dedication.
“Jerry started as a friend of the band who answered the call when he heard we were looking for a bassist and quickly learned 60-some-odd songs in the matter of a few weeks, and really started his time with us with 2 long road trips out of state to Maryland and then New Hampshire.”
Those early shows came during a time when the band was still trying to find its footing and build a name for itself.
“At the time, these gigs were a hard sell. We hadn’t really made much of a name for ourselves yet, and joining a new band, going away for multiple weekends, probably wasn’t the most appealing.”
Even then, Leach never hesitated to step in and support the group.
EntertainmentNow“Multiple times during those weekends, Jerry just kept repeating ‘I just want to help you guys,’ but that was just the kind of person he was.”
Over the next four years, that commitment helped shape the band’s journey as they performed hundreds of shows together.
“Fast forward 4 years and probably 300 shows later, this band would never have reached the heights it has without Jerry and his contributions.”
Upcoming Show Leaves Band and Fans Reflecting on His Legacy
Before his death, Leach and his bandmates had been preparing for upcoming performances across the region.
The group had previously opened for major country music acts, including Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean, and Florida Georgia Line. They were also scheduled to headline a show at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey, on April 4.
It remains unclear whether that performance will proceed as planned.
For now, friends, fans, and fellow musicians continue to mourn the loss of a young artist whose dedication to music and loyalty to his band made a lasting impression on everyone around him.
