A gofundme page has been set up to raise money for the family of Marine Capt. Jeff Kuss, a
Kuss, 32, who joined the Naval flight demonstration team in 2014, left behind his wife, Christina, and two young children.
The fundraiser was set up by Kuss' sister-in-law, Nicole Perino.
"Captain Kuss made the ultimate sacrifice and has left behind his precious wife Christina and two small children, Calvin, 4, and Sloane, 1," the page reads. "This family needs all of our support and Jeff is a true American hero who saved the lives of thousands in this terrible tragedy. Jeff was born and raised in Durango, Colorado and learned to fly before he could drive."
By Friday morning, donors had contributed $7,600 toward the $250,000 goal.
To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/jeffkuss.
Kuss was a decorated Marine captain who received his flight training at Naval Air Stations in Pensacola and Corpus Christi. In February, he was among six pilots to fly over Levi's Stadium just before the 2016 Superbowl kickoff, which was a win for the Denver Broncos.
His F/A-18 Hornet went down at 3 p.m. Thursday as he took off for a practice flight in preparation for the Great Tennessee Air Show this weekend in Smyrna, Tennessee.
"Our hearts are deeply saddened by today's (Thursday's) tragic and devastating accident," John Black, executive director of the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport, said in a statement posted on the show's Facebook page. "Show management has discussed the relative advantages and disadvantages of continuing the show. After close consultation with the Blue Angels, regulatory officials and the performers, we have made the decision to carry on with this weekend's show."
Due to today's incident, the Blue Angels will not be performing this weekend.
According to The Tennessean, hundreds of people attended a candlelit memorial service in Smyrna on Thursday evening.
