All 14 victims of the UPS plane crash in Louisville have been identified.
In a tragic incident on November 4, 2025, a UPS aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from the UPS Worldport facility in Louisville, Kentucky, resulting in the deaths of all 14 individuals on board the plane and those on the ground. The victims were formally identified by local authorities on Wednesday, leading to a profound sense of loss within the community.
The flight, designated UPS Flight 2976, was crewed by Captain Richard Wartenberg, 57, First Officer Lee Truitt, 45, and Relief Captain Dana Diamond, 62. The loss of these experienced professionals underscores the substantial impact of this disaster on the aviation community.
Among the 11 individuals who tragically lost their lives on the ground were customers and employees of a local business, Grade A Auto Parts and Recycling, directly in the aircraft’s path. The victims included Angela Anderson, 45, Carlos Fernandez, 52, Louisnes Fedon, 47, and the three-year-old granddaughter of Fedon, Kimberly Asa, among others. This incident not only claimed the lives of beloved community members but also left families shattered and mourning.
The crash occurred at approximately 5 p.m., less than one minute after takeoff. According to preliminary data from the black box, the aircraft ascended to a mere 500 feet before descending rapidly at a speed of 210 mph, ultimately crashing and igniting into a massive fireball. The severity of the impact was exacerbated by the detachment of the plane’s left engine, which detached and rolled across the airfield while the aircraft exploded, resulting in devastation that extended for half a mile from the airport.
Local government officials, including Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, addressed the tragedy, expressing deep condolences and emphasizing the community’s grief. The Mayor stated, “Our city feels the full weight of this unimaginable tragedy,” highlighting the personal stories and familial connections behind each name of the deceased.
The identification of the victims was conducted with precision and care, utilizing a combination of DNA and dental records, confirmed less than 24 hours before the public announcement. Authorities have stated that no other casualties beyond those identified are believed to have occurred during the incident.
As investigations continue into the cause of the crash, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with aviation, as well as the fragility of life. The Louisville community, while grappling with the immediate grief, will undoubtedly come together to support one another in the wake of this catastrophe.
