A popular air show stuntman died during a live performance in Michigan on Saturday. Chris Darnell, 40, was driving the “Shockwave Jet Truck” while racing two planes during the Field of Flight Airshow in Battle Creek. The truck, which was outfitted with three J34-48 Pratt & Whitney jet engines and capable of reaching speeds of more than 350 mph, crashed during the maneuver and flipped off the runway. Darnell died at the scene.The Shockwave Jet Truck show is a family-run business that travels the nation performing at air shows and events. Chris’ father, Neal Darnell, is also a driver and pilot. He posted a note on the company’s Facebook page “We are so sad,” the post said. “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.'”The post cited a mechanical failure for the explosion that killed Darnell. Chris’ wife, Brooke, is listed on the company website as the co-crew chief for the Shockwave Jet Truck. It is not known if she was at the Battle Creek air show at the time of the crash. An investigation is underway to determine what caused the crash. Watch the video above for the full story.
A popular air show stuntman died during a live performance in Michigan on Saturday.
Chris Darnell, 40, was driving the “Shockwave Jet Truck” while racing two planes during the Field of Flight Airshow in Battle Creek. The truck, which was outfitted with three J34-48 Pratt & Whitney jet engines and capable of reaching speeds of more than 350 mph, crashed during the maneuver and flipped off the runway. Darnell died at the scene.
The Shockwave Jet Truck show is a family-run business that travels the nation performing at air shows and events. Chris’ father, Neal Darnell, is also a driver and pilot. He posted a note on the company’s Facebook page
“We are so sad,” the post said. “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.'”
The post cited a mechanical failure for the explosion that killed Darnell.
Chris’ wife, Brooke, is listed on the company website as the co-crew chief for the Shockwave Jet Truck. It is not known if she was at the Battle Creek air show at the time of the crash.
An investigation is underway to determine what caused the crash.
Watch the video above for the full story.
