Louisville Mourns Lives Cut Short in UPS Plane Crash
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The city of Louisville is in mourning after a tragic UPS plane crash claimed the lives of 14 individuals. Among those lost were everyday Americans: a grandfather with his granddaughter, a working father, and a woman simply trying to make an honest living.
Mayor Craig Greenberg expressed the city’s collective grief, acknowledging the “unimaginable tragedy” and the “forever unfinished” stories of those who perished. The victims’ names were released, each representing a family and a community now grappling with profound loss.
The crash occurred during takeoff at UPS Worldport, a major hub at Muhammad Ali International Airport. The three pilots onboard – Capt. Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Capt. Dana Diamond – also died in the crash. These dedicated professionals, who play a vital role in our nation’s commerce, are remembered for their service.
Local authorities, including the coroner’s office, worked diligently to recover and identify the victims, providing some measure of closure to grieving families. The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Among the victims were John Spray, a man at Grade A Auto Parts & Recycling, Louisnes Fedon and his young granddaughter Kimberly Asa, Matthew Sweets, an electrician with two young children, and Ella Petty Whorton, who was working at the recycling business. Others killed were Angela Anderson, Carlos Fernandez, Trinadette Chavez, Tony Crain, John Loucks, and Megan Washburn.
Coroner Jo-Ann Farmer shared the sentiment of many public servants, stating, “I don’t… If I get used to this and it doesn’t bother me anymore, I’m in the wrong profession.”
