Beloved country music star Anthony Enriquez has died aged 36. He was the songwriter and guitarit for popular music group Shotgun Rider, founding the group alongside vocalist and guitarist Logan Stamford in 2012. They released their first EP in 2015 and their full-length debut Palo Duro in 2018, and were signed to Texas Music/Red Dirt booking agency Red 11, which is now part of WME.

The band announced they were splitting in 2019, penning: "To our fans. Thank you for giving us 4 years of incredible memories. For letting us chase our dream, we will never be able to thank you enough for your support,” the duo said in a statement in June of 2019. “We have decided our time together as Shotgun Rider has come to an end. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for this incredible chapter in our lives." Enriquez remained active in the music scene both as a songwriter and a guitar player up until about 2022.

A Texas funeral home confirmed his passing on June 10th, writing a heartfelt tribute, which read: "Anthony was a gifted guitar player and talented songwriter whose passion for music touched countless lives. Many knew and loved him as one half of the Texas country duo Shotgun Rider, but his influence reached far beyond the stage and those celebrated years. As a solo artist, creative songwriter, and steadfast supporter of fellow musicians, Anthony generously shared his talent, encouragement, and love for music with everyone around him.

"Through his songs, he connected with people on a deeply personal level, providing the soundtrack to cherished moments, lasting friendships, and treasured memories. His music will continue to live on in the hearts of those who listened, and his legacy will be carried forward through the lives he touched and the inspiration he gave to others."

A cause of death has not been confirmed.

Tributes poured in for the guitarist, as one friend wrote: "My road brother Anthony Enriquez has joined many of our road brothers and sister in heaven. Most importantly he has joined his father. Those boys had faith in me and gave me the opportunities to really hone in my craft."

Another friend added: "I really fell in love with the road and music, let alone gained some of the best friends, running around with Anthony and the boys. Gonna miss our long phone calls, and especially your laugh. Rest easy man, and put on one hell of a show up there!"