Died On This Date (February 12, 2009) Coleman Mellett / Played Guitar For Chuck Mangione; Died In Crash of Flight 3407
themusicsover Coleman Mellett
May 27, 1974 – February 12, 2009
Coleman Mellett was a jazz guitarist who at the time of his death played in Chuck Mangione’s band. He joined up with Mangione in 1999, and in 2007 released his solo debut, Natural High. On February 12, 2009, Mellett and fellow band member Gerry Niewood boarded Continental flight 3407 in Newark, New Jersey for a Mangione gig in Buffalo, New York. Shortly before the scheduled landing of the plane, it stalled and crashed into a Buffalo suburb killing all on board. Coleman Mellett was 34 years old.
Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums and Brett Ortone for the assist.
Gerry Niewood was a jazz saxophonist who at the time of his death, played in Chuck Mangione’s band. He and Mangione grew up in the same town and graduated from its music school. In 1981, Niewood played with Simon & Garfunkel at their legendary Central Park concert. On February 12, 2009, Niewood and fellow band member