Otis was the bandleader. Yup, the bandleader. He bought a cheap old plane to get his band to the gigs, and challenged the weather. He needed every dollar to pay for his music and family, and couldn't afford to miss a single show. That was how he died. Easy to kill.
In other news, my source informs me that car break-ins in the US are increasing, and the perpetrators are strong and well-armed. Please guard your stuff and your car, especially in the Bay area. Maybe get some bulletproof windows.