Chris Darnell, a 40-year-old jet truck driver, perished in an explosion during a Michigan air show.
MandyNews.com reported on the viral video of the Michigan Air Show jet truck explosion.
According to Battle Creek Police, the deadly collision happened at 1:10 p.m. on July 2 while Darnell was traveling 300 mph down a runway at the Battle Creek Executive Airport for a performance.
However, the police did not offer any other details regarding the passing.
In the YouTube footage, which MandyNews.com was able to obtain, Darnell can be seen driving past an explosion on the runway before his truck catches fire and seems to tumble.
Investigations into the collision on Saturday were conducted by the Battle Creek Fire Department, Battle Creek Police Department, and Federal Aviation Administration.
Following Darnell’s passing, condolences were being shared on social media as of the time of this report.
“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 Air Force Thunderbirds said in a post.
Ohio’s Summit Motorsports Park referred to Darnell as a son, brother, husband, parent, and well-known performer.
“His passion for putting on the best show possible for the fans, and for engaging with them, was clear,” the post said.
Officials said that Sunday will be the new day for the air show activities that were planned to take place on Saturday but were instead postponed.
“We’re sorry we had to cancel the air show portion today but it was done out of safety and respect,” said festival organizers in a Facebook post.
One of the biggest fireworks displays in the state will take place, along with live music, on Saturday night’s events. Up to Monday, July 4, the festival is five days long.
