The driver of a popular jet powered truck died in an accident at an air show in Battle Creek over the weekend.
The accident occurred around 1 p.m. on July 2 at the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Chris Darnell, 40, was driving the SHOCKWAVE Jet Truck as part of a performance at the airshow when “accident happened that resulted in his death,” according to a statement from the Battle Creek Police Department.
No other injuries were reported.
Neal Darnell, father of Chris Darnell, said that “an accident occurred as a result of a mechanical failure on the Jet Truck.”
“We are so sad. Just one month ago Chris turned 40. 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,” Neal Darnell said in a social media post.
The fatal accident remains under investigation by Battle Creek Fire, Battle Creek Police, and Federal Aviation Administration Officials.
SHOCKWAVE is owned by Darnell Racing Enterprises, Inc. based in Springfield, Missouri.