IIRC correctly, this is not the first with the Thunderbirds.
Years ago they lost 5 or 6 in an accident. The lead went in and the rest followed him in. Can't remember the details, or year though.
Pretty sad, it's a pretty tough environment to fly in at best. Those guys are pretty damn good, and it sucks to hear they lost a jet. Glad the pilot got out.
Saw them in Abbotsford in 92 (i think), the weather was crappy and a low ceiling, but they put on a pretty good abbreviated show nontheless.
cheers,
RTR