Memorial honors Thunderbirds pilot who died in Nevada crash

Maj. Stephen Del Bagno, Thunderbird 4/Slot Pilot, awaits the signal to start the F-16 Fighting Falcon during a practice show at Nellis Air Force Base on March 14, 2018. Del Bagno was killed when his aircraft crashed on the Nevada Test and Training Range during a practice aerial demonstration on April 4, 2018. (Master Sgt. Christopher Boitz/U.S. Air Force)

Maj. Stephen Del Bagno died when his F-16 Fighting Falcon jet crashed during routine training on the Nevada Test and Training Range about 10:30 a.m. April 4, 2018, military officials said. (fthunderbirds.com)

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April 16, 2018 - 10:51 am

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. — Fighter jets flew overhead in the missing-man formation during a Southern California memorial for a U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds pilot who was killed in a crash in Southern Nevada during training.

Family, friends and fellow pilots remembered Maj. Stephen Del Bagno during the gathering Sunday at Saugus High School, his alma mater.

His father, Joe, spoke of Del Bagno’s pride in being part of the Air Force and a fellow member of the flight demonstration team praised his skills.

The 34-year-old Del Bagno died April 4 when his F-16 Fighting Falcon known as Thunderbird 4 crashed in the Nevada Test and Training Range north of Nellis Air Force Base.

Del Bagno’s name will be added to a wall at his high school that honors heroes.

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