By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
Shockwave Jet Truck owner Neal Darnell has released a statement following his son’s Chris death on Saturday. Chris Darnell was 40.
Darnell was killed while performing during the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show in Battle Creek, Michigan. He was competing against two jets at the Executive airport.
Towards the end of the run, a fireball went into the air. Shortly thereafter, there was a huge smoke cloud, as something happened with the Shockwave truck.
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“During today’s SHOCKWAVE Jet Truck performance at the Battle Creek Field of Flight Airshow, an accident occurred as a result of a mechanical failure on the Jet Truck,” the team said in a statement from Neal Darnell. “Regretfully, Chris Darnell, the driver, and my youngest son, passed away from his injuries at approximately 1:10 pm. No one else was involved.”
Darnell plans to announce his final arrangements in the coming days. He had just turned 40 last month.
“We are sad,” Darnell said. “He was so well loved by everyone who knew him. Chris so loved the Air Show business. He was “Living the Dream “ as he said.”
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The Battle Creek, Michigan Police Department confirmed Darnell as the fatality on Saturday night. The crash investigation is ongoing.
The aerial air show performances will resume on Sunday and through Monday. The accident caused the rest of Saturday’s aerial air show performances to be canceled.
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