A tragic incident in New Jersey has left the country-rock scene reeling.
Jerry Leach, the bassist for the band Not Leaving Sober, died after he was found pinned beneath a vehicle outside a home in Jefferson Township, according to police. He was 32.
Authorities say Jefferson Township Police responded to a call around 5:04 p.m. on March 10. When officers arrived, they discovered Leach trapped beneath the rear tire of a vehicle. Police and nearby residents reportedly tried to lift the car to free him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Leach’s death comes just weeks before a major night for the band. He was scheduled to perform April 4 at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park — a show planned as a single release party for “Welcome to Hell” and what the group described as its 500th performance.
In an emotional statement, Not Leaving Sober said Leach was more than just their bass player.
“This devastating news comes as a shock to all of us,” the band wrote, adding that Leach “became a brother” and that the group “would never have reached the heights it has without Jerry and his contributions.” They also noted his passion for writing and said his “signature style” is easy to hear on the songs he helped create.
An investigation is ongoing. Authorities said the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Morris County Sheriff’s Department Criminal Investigation Division responded to assist, along with the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office.
As they mourn, the band says they intend to keep moving forward — not because it’s easy, but because they believe that’s what Leach would have wanted.
“The next few months are going to be extremely tough for all of us,” the statement said. “But we realize that we owe it to Jerry to keep going.”
😢🙏🙏🙏