SMYRNA, Tenn. (WKRN) — There's a search for a group of teens that climbed atop a memorial for a fallen member of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Captain Jeff Kuss died as he was practicing for Smyrna's Great Tennessee Airshow in July 2016. Kuss was a pilot for the Blue Angels, so his memorial at Lee Victory Recreation Park is shaped like one of their iconic planes.
On Sunday, a woman recorded a group of teens climbing on top of the plane multiple times. The video was posted online, which caused a firestorm of comments.
"They didn't just do it once," witness Jennifer Leclair told News 2. "One of them climbed on the plane. They were jumping up and down, then the other climbed on the plane. A few moments later, another one was climbing on the plane."
A majority of the comments said that kids need to be taught the importance of respecting fallen service members. Others, like Leclair, wanted the city to do something to prevent this act from happening again.
"As unfortunate as it seems, I think they may have to rope the memorial off," Leclair added.
According to Kuss' memorial website, the memorial recognizes his legacy and is meant to encourage people of all ages to visit, reflect, and live inspired lives.
If you know the identity of any of these teens, you're asked to contact Smyrna City Hall.