LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The city of Louisville and the global UPS family are mourning the tragic loss of three veteran pilots who perished in the crash of UPS Flight 2976 on Tuesday evening, November 4, 2025, near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
The victims have been identified as:
- Captain Richard Wartenberg
- Relief Captain Dana Diamond
- First Officer Lee Truitt of Albuquerque, N.M.
The pilots were aboard a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo aircraft en route to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu when the plane experienced a catastrophic failure shortly after takeoff at approximately 5:15 p.m. The aircraft crashed into an industrial area near Grade Lane and Fern Valley Road, erupting into a massive fireball that caused extensive damage to nearby buildings and vehicles.
Witnesses captured the harrowing final moments on dashcam, showing the plane descending rapidly before exploding upon impact. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, where dense black smoke filled the sky. Authorities confirmed at least 12 fatalities, including a young child, with 15 people injured and 16 still unaccounted for. Officials cautioned that the death toll may rise as search and recovery operations continue.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear described the incident as “catastrophic” and called for prayers for the victims, their families, and first responders. Early analysis suggests the plane’s left engine detached from the wing during takeoff, a critical detail that investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will study to determine the cause of the disaster.
UPS released a statement expressing profound grief:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleagues Captain Richard Wartenberg, Relief Captain Dana Diamond, and First Officer Lee Truitt. Our hearts are with their families, friends, and the entire UPS family during this difficult time.”
A reunification center has been established at 2911 Taylor Blvd for affected families. Authorities have scaled back the shelter-in-place order to a ¼-mile radius around the crash site, and airport operations have resumed on one runway while Runway 17R/35L remains closed until November 15.
The Louisville Metro Police Department also warned the public about scammers attempting to exploit grieving families, emphasizing that no legitimate agency will request payment for updates regarding victims.
The three pilots were highly respected professionals whose lives were devoted to serving others through their work. Their loss is felt deeply by families, colleagues, and the Louisville community. Friends, neighbors, and the UPS family remember them as courageous, dedicated, and passionate individuals who gave their lives doing what they loved.
🕊️ Captain Wartenberg, Relief Captain Diamond, and First Officer Truitt will be forever remembered. May their courage, dedication, and spirit live on in the hearts of those they touched, and may their families find comfort in the love and support of the community.