Toby Keith‘s bass
player of 25 years has been killed in a two-car collision in Oklahoma. Carl
“Chuck” Goff Jr. was Keith’s bassist, band leader, friend and co-writer on two
of his best known songs. He died on Wednesday (Feb. 27) at the age of 54.

KOCO-TV reports that the accident occured at about 7:45PM
local time, near Slaughterville, Okla. One vehicle was found on top of the other
vehicle. The other driver was not injured and the accident remains under
investigation.

The country superstar released a statement on his website
saying, “We are deeply saddened by the sudden death of our band member, Chuck
Goff. He was a close friend for over 25 years, the band leader and bass player.
Our hearts and prayers go out to his family.”

Goff had his own signature bass through Dean Guitars. On the companies website he
describes his style as being function over form. “Play the song, don’t try to be
the song,” he says. He helped write the chart-topping hits ‘Upstairs Downtown’
and ‘You Ain’t Much Fun.’