$100K Raised in Just One Day for Family of Blue Angel Pilot Killed in Crash

Marine Captain Jeff Kuss was killed when the Blue Angel jet he was piloting crashed during a practice run before a Tennessee air show.

The wife and children of a Marine pilot who was killed when his Blue Angel jet crashed this week have one less worry as they mourn his death.

In just 24 hours, a GoFundMe campaign raised over $100,000 to benefit the family of Capt. Jeff Kuss, who died Thursday in a fiery crash before a Tennessee air show.

The U.S. Navy’s elite demonstration squadron was rehearsing its formations when the pilot from Durango, Colorado, crashed into a residential area in Smyrna, Tennessee.

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Kuss left behind his wife, Christina, and their 4- and 1-year-old children.

"Wow! We are overjoyed and thankful to see what 1 day can accomplish," wrote campaign organizer and family member Nicole Ferrarese Perino. "Christina and her babies are safe and strong.

"Thank you to all who contributed today. Please continue to spread the word and shower this family with your love and blessing."

Kuss's team was preparing for the Great Tennessee Air Show scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. 

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The crash took out several power lines and ignited several small fires, local authorities said. It was the first Blue Angels crash in nearly 10 years.

A huge fireball could be seen at the crash site, witnesses said.

Kuss was credited with maneuvering his F/A-18 fighter jet away from homes as he crashed after taking off, according to local reports. 

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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