BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Authorities have identified the man who died in the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show on Saturday, July 2.
40-year-old Chris Darnell was killed around 1:10 p.m. when his SHOCKWAVE Jet Truck exploded while racing aircraft as a part of the Air Show demonstration.
Air Force Thunderbirds Team Members paid tribute to Darnell on their Facebook Page saying, “We are saddened hear about the loss of our close friend, and fellow demo performer, today in a tragic mishap during the Field of Flight Air Show in Battle Creek, Michigan. Chris Darnell, the driver of the SHOCKWAVE Jet Truck, has been performing alongside us for many years and has been a staple of the Air Show community. His love for motorsports and passion for his craft always inspired us and those around him. The collective hearts of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds are with Chris, his family, his friends, and his entire demonstration team at this time.”
The accident remains under investigation by the Battle Creek Fire Department, Battle Creek Police Department, and Federal Aviation Administration.
