A central Illinois high school has opened a memorial garden for one of its graduates who was killed in a fighter jet crash during a U.S. Navy training exercise.

According to reports, Olympia High School planted a new garden in memory of U.S. Marine Corps Major Reid Nannen. The 32-year-old from Hopedale was killed March 1 when his jet crashed near Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada. He was permanently stationed in Japan with the Marines, but was on temporary duty at the U.S. Navy's "TopGun" school.

The school's superintendent says there isn't a better role model for Olympia students. Nannen graduated from Olympia in 2000. The high school hosted the visitation for him in March.

Nannen's parents say they're humbled by the creation of the garden.