Toby Keith's Bassist Killed in Oklahoma Car Crash

Carl "Chuck" Goff Jr., the bassist and longtime friend of country superstar Toby Keith, died Wednesday night in a two-car crash in Oklahoma, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. He was 54.

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Goff was killed in rural Cleveland County, about 35 miles south of Oklahoma City. A spokesman for the Cleveland County sheriff said the musician died at around 7:45 p.m. and that the driver of the second vehicle was not seriously injured. The crash remains under investigation.

In a statement, Keith said that he is "deeply saddened" by Goff's death.

The bassist had played with Keith since the country singer released his self-titled debut album in 1993. Goff also co-wrote "You Ain't Much Fun" and "Upstairs Downtown," two hits off Keith's 1994 album, Boomtown. He played on all 16 of Keith's albums

"He was a close friend for over 25 years, the band leader and bass player," Keith said. "Our hearts and prayers go out to his family."