Executive Summary
- Kentucky officials have publicly identified all 14 victims of the UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville, including three pilots and 11 individuals at a nearby business.
- The crash occurred after the aircraft’s left engine caught fire and detached during takeoff, leading to a large explosion and debris field.
- In the aftermath, UPS and FedEx grounded their MD-11 fleets, and the FAA has ordered inspections of all similar aircraft.
- Louisville’s mayor expressed the city’s condolences, and a support hotline has been established for those affected by the tragedy.
Officials in Kentucky have identified the 14 people killed in the catastrophic UPS cargo plane crash that occurred last week just outside the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. The victims were named on Wednesday by city and county authorities during a press conference addressing the ongoing investigation and recovery efforts.
The deceased include three UPS pilots, identified as Capt. Dana Diamond, 62; Capt. Richard Wartenberg, 57; and First Officer Lee Truitt, 45. The other 11 victims were employees or customers at Grade A Auto Parts and Scrap Metal Recycling, a business that was struck when the aircraft went down. They were identified as Angela Anderson, 45; Carlos Fernandez, 52; Trinadette “Trina” Chavez, 37; Tony Crain, 65; John Loucks, 52; John Spray, 45; Matthew Sweets, 37; Ella Petty Whorton, 31; Megan Washburn, 35; Louisnes Fedon, 47; and his 3-year-old granddaughter Kimberly Asa.
“Our city feels the full weight of this unimaginable tragedy,” Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg stated. “Behind every one of these names is a circle of family, friends, stories that will forever be unfinished.” The mayor confirmed that victims were identified using DNA, medical, and dental records, and all families have been notified. He added that officials do not believe there are any other fatalities.
The crash took place on November 4 after the left engine of the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo plane reportedly caught fire during takeoff and detached from the wing. The aircraft, which was carrying approximately 38,000 gallons of fuel and destined for Honolulu, crashed into a nearby industrial area, causing a massive explosion and fire. The debris field from the incident extended for more than half a mile.
In response to the crash, both UPS and FedEx have grounded their fleets of the MD-11 model. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also mandated inspections of all such aircraft currently in operation. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy dismissed concerns that the incident was related to the recent government shutdown.
UPS is the largest employer in Louisville, operating its global air network hub from the city’s airport with around 400 daily flights. Mayor Greenberg urged anyone affected by the tragedy to contact a new hotline established by officials, stating, “As we hear these names today, let’s never forget their lives, their laughter, their love and all that they meant to those around them and to our entire city.”
