The deadliest plane crash in UPS history has left families shattered and a community struggling to comprehend the scale of loss. The crash, which occurred at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, claimed at least thirteen lives when a UPS MD-11 cargo aircraft lost one of its engines during takeoff and plunged back into the ground. The aircraft erupted into a massive fireball, hitting buildings, igniting fuel and oil containers, and sending thick smoke billowing across the airfield.
Among those killed were three UPS flight crew members and multiple civilians on the ground, including 35-year-old grandfather Louisnes Fedon and his 3-year-old granddaughter, who were collecting scrap metal near the airport at the time. The tragedy has drawn national sorrow, raised urgent questions about aviation safety, and exposed the devastating ripple effects of a sudden, unimaginable accident. Louisnes Fedon had long been known in his community as someone who helped others without hesitation.
Those who knew him called him a gentle man who supported extended family and neighbors in times of need. His daily routine of collecting metal to resell was part of how he ensured his children and grandchildren were cared for. On the day of the crash, his granddaughter accompanied him as she often did. A crowdfunding page created by family friends described their deaths as a heartbreaking example of being “simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Their story has now come to symbolize the human toll of a catastrophe that unfolded in seconds but left a lifetime of grief behind. The crash also took the life of 38-year-old father of two, Matt Sweets, who suffered burns to 95 percent of his body before succumbing to his injuries. For the UPS employees aboard the aircraft—Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Captain Dana Diamond—the tragedy was the end of careers spent transporting goods across the world.
Tributes and support have poured in, but the scope of loss remains deeply painful. As investigators analyze black box data and examine the detached engine, families now face the task of rebuilding their lives in the shadow of a tragedy they never could have prepared for.
The Crash and Its Devastating Aftermath
The UPS cargo plane had been preparing for its scheduled departure when the left engine detached from the aircraft immediately after takeoff. The sudden failure caused the aircraft to lurch, lose thrust, and then crash back toward the runway with catastrophic force. The plane tore through the roof of a UPS warehouse and collided with a petroleum recycling facility, triggering explosions as fuel and stored oil ignited. The aircraft had been carrying more than 38,000 gallons of fuel, which contributed to a massive fireball that engulfed parts of the crash site.
Emergency crews arrived to scenes of intense flames, twisted metal, and structural collapse. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, who visited the crash site, described what he witnessed as worse than anything seen in film or television. The airport temporarily closed for investigation and recovery efforts before reopening once it was deemed structurally safe. Search teams worked through rubble, examining wreckage and identifying remains where possible.
UPS Plane Crash: Louisnes Fedon and his 3-year-old granddaughter Kimberly Asa are among 13 dead
— The Last Show- Karen Lee (@thelastshow) November 7, 2025
Deceased crew identified. Many people on the ground still missing. UPS Flight 2976 crashed in a ball of flames shortly after takeoff in Louisville, Kentucky. #UPS #planecrash pic.twitter.com/gTj5hDYZlr
The crash left a large portion of the UPS Worldport hub damaged, temporarily impacting one of the largest distribution networks in the world. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launched immediate investigations. The recovery of the plane’s black boxes allowed investigators to extract detailed flight data, including 63 hours of recorded operational information.
This data covers the aircraft’s recent history and final moments, offering critical insight into how and why the engine separated. While preliminary findings point to mechanical failure, the full investigative process may take months before definitive conclusions are publicly released. Factors to be examined include maintenance records, manufacturer advisories, engine mount integrity, and operational procedures during takeoff.
The Lives Lost and the Families Left Behind
The death of Louisnes Fedon and his granddaughter struck local residents with particular force. Louisnes Fedon was known not only as a devoted family man but also as someone who supported a wider circle of relatives and neighbors. Through metal collecting and other work, he contributed to the household finances, helping to raise and support multiple children.
His passing leaves behind his children, Shanya and Sheldon, and his wife, Sharon. The GoFundMe established by family friends Jason and Brandi Mattingly has described the loss as both emotionally and financially devastating. The campaign highlights how one individual’s income can be essential to the stability of an entire family network and how unexpected tragedy can dismantle that stability instantly.
The accident also took the life of 38-year-old Matt Sweets. His sister, Michelle, shared the news in a public post, describing the difficulty of accepting his death after he fought for his life in intensive care. Sweets leaves behind two young children and his partner, Brooke. A fundraising campaign created on his family’s behalf has surpassed its original goal by a wide margin due to significant community support. Even as donations provide some immediate relief, the emotional impact on his loved ones remains profound.
UPS released the names of the three crew members who perished in the crash: Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and Captain Dana Diamond, who was serving as an international relief officer on the flight. Truitt’s professional background shows years of dedication to aviation through roles at SkyWest Airlines and as a flight instructor. While the biographies of Wartenberg and Diamond have not yet been publicly detailed, their colleagues describe them as respected pilots. UPS has stated that supporting affected employees and families will remain a priority throughout the aftermath of the tragedy.
Community Response and the Path Forward
Local organizations, including Teamsters Local 89, have arranged public vigils to honor the lives lost. These gatherings provide space for residents, coworkers, family members, and friends to support one another. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg encouraged participation in community vigils, emphasizing the importance of collective grieving and mutual support during such a painful time.
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The crash also triggered operational challenges for UPS, particularly because its Louisville Worldport facility serves as the company’s primary global logistics hub. Operations were halted following the crash but resumed once safety assessments were completed. UPS leadership stated that restoring the shipping network to normal was an important step in maintaining service continuity, but the focus remained centered on supporting those grieving and recovering.
In addition to aviation authorities, emergency services and humanitarian support networks are working to address both immediate and ongoing needs. These include grief counseling, assistance for displaced workers, and financial support for affected families. For families like the Fedons and Sweets, the road ahead will involve navigating daily life without the presence of loved ones who were once anchor points of stability and emotional grounding.
As investigators continue examining the engine separation and crash conditions, broader questions have emerged regarding aircraft aging, maintenance oversight, and airport land-use safety. These questions may influence revisions to regulatory standards and operational practices. For now, however, the focus remains on honoring the lives lost and supporting the survivors who will carry the memory of this tragedy forward.