KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Blue Angels pilot died on Thursday afternoon when his F/A-18 aircraft crashed while taking off at the start of practice for a weekend air show near Nashville, Tennessee. A U.S. official identified the pilot as Marine Captain Jeff Kuss to the Associated Press.
According to his biography, Cpt. Kuss joined the Blue Angels in September of 2014, and he flew in the Kansas City Air Show in August of 2015, where both FOX 4 meteorologist Michelle Bogowith and Kansas City Police Department Chief Darryl Forte had the opportunity to fly with him in his aircraft.
My heart aches tonight… thoughts & prayers are with the @BlueAngels and the family of Capt. Kuss. pic.twitter.com/aBW0uE0IKY
— Michelle Bogowith (@MBogowith) June 3, 2016
Chief Forte offered his condolences, saying that Cpt. Kuss helped him enjoy the ride:
.@kcpolice & others met Capt. Kuss in KC. He shared w/me his daily workout schedule, talked about family and fun. pic.twitter.com/87pzxoVC6k
— chiefforte (@ChiefForte) June 3, 2016
https://t.co/bFMVyCNaHV He was my pilot. He shared with me he had been a pilot since he was in high school & was living his dream. Prayers
— chiefforte (@ChiefForte) June 3, 2016
https://t.co/6Fp2jdgnPr Capt. Kuss helped me feel comfortable during the flight. Explained maneuvers & reminded me of breathing techniques.
— chiefforte (@ChiefForte) June 3, 2016
Five other Blue Angels jets landed safely on Thursday, and the Navy will investigate the crash. The Blue Angels will not participate in the weekend air show in Smyrna, Tennessee.
