Country singer Jerald “Wayne” Mills, 44, died early Saturday morning in Nashville during a bar fight culminating in the bar owner shooting Mills in self-defense.

Bar Fight

The shooting took place in Nashville’s Pit and Barrel bar and the argument reportedly began when the owner took offense at Mills’ insistence to smoke inside the bar.

The bar owner, Chris Ferrell, was friends with Mills and the bar was closed at the time of the shooting. Mills was at the bar with some friends who left when the argument began.

“We’re investigating Chris Ferrell’s claims of self-defense,” confirmed police spokeswoman Kris Mumford. Mumford also added that no arrests have been made.

WSMV Channel 4

Mills led the country band, the Wayne Mills Band, and was instrumental in the successful careers of country stars such as Blake Shelton, who tweeted his condolences to Mills’ family on Sunday.

Extremely sad to hear about the death of my old friend Wayne Mills @WayneMillsBand… Rest in peace brother. Love you Carol.

— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) November 24, 2013

Wayne Mills Family Fund

Mills’ manager, J.R. Smith, has set up the Wayne Mills Family Fund for Mill’s family: his wife, Carole, and young son, Jack.

“Thank you for continued prayers for our friend and brother Wayne Mills. Wayne is one of my best friends and I managed his career for many years. I am now accepting immediate donations that will be directly given to his Wife and son to help during this critical time,” reads the donation page.

The Wayne Mills Band is also planning a benefit for the family and have kept fans informed through their Facebook page. Most recently, the band notified fans that memorial services will be held after Thanksgiving, details are to be announced.

– Olivia Truffaut-Wong

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