After being trapped without petrol in their vehicle, an 88-year-old musician and his wife of 60 years were discovered dead in the midst of the California desert.
This week, Larry and Betty Petree were discovered without food or water in a stopped car in the Mojave Desert.
According to police, there is no indication of wrongdoing.
When Betty passed, the well-known pedal steel guitarist’s body was in the driver’s seat, and she was outside, resting on a rear tire.
It’s unclear why they ended themselves little over 20 miles from their Bakersfield, Southern California home, at 150th Street and Proctor Boulevard.
Kim Hays, a family acquaintance, said that Larry had been acting strangely lately and had asked for help getting to the stage during a recent show.
He was a darling of a man who was always willing to provide a hand.
She told KGET, “I simply can’t believe they’re gone and in such a strange way.”
Larry spent several years performing with the Western Swingsters while turning down invitations to perform for more well-known performers.
He worked at the fire department for thirty years, staying at home with Betty except from the odd gig.
Zane Adamo, a fellow musician, said, “I’ll never forget his grin.” He had these large cheeks when he grinned. Furthermore, it was impossible not to grin when you saw Larry doing so.
And the sweetest man ever. He also had great insight, and I recall chatting to him and simply paying attention to everything he said.