On the anniversary of the tragic UPS cargo plane crash, Louisville residents gathered at the site where the aircraft struck a local business to remember the 15 people who perished. The memorial took place at Grade A Auto Parts on Melton Avenue, the very building that was hit when UPS Flight 2976 went down on November 4, 2025.
Memorial ceremony
At 5:14 p.m., the same time the plane went down a year earlier, bells rang fifteen times—once for each victim—followed by a minute of silence. Mayor Craig Greenberg read the names of the deceased while families and neighbors stood in a tent set up on the property, many wearing yellow ribbons as a sign of remembrance.
Governor Andy Beshear addressed the crowd, noting, “Their ages ranged from just three years old to 65. Every one of them had so much to live for.” He thanked the first responders who rushed to the scene and urged Kentuckians to continue supporting the families affected by the tragedy.
Victims
The crash claimed the lives of three crew members and twelve people on the ground. The victims were:
- Capt. Dana Diamond, 62
- Capt. Richard Wartenberg, 57
- First Officer Lee Truitt, 45
- Angela Anderson, 45
- Carlos Fernandez, 52
- Louisnes Fedon, 47
- Kimberly Asa, 3, granddaughter of Louisnes Fedon
- Trinadette “Trina” Chavez, 37
- Tony Crain, 65
- John Loucks, 52
- John Spray, 45
- Matthew Sweets, 37
- Ella Petty Whorton, 31
- Megan Washburn, 35
- Alain Rodriguez Colina
Calls for accountability
Sean Garber, owner of Grade A Auto Parts, described the crash site as “hallowed ground” and called for those responsible to be held accountable. “Without those responsible taking accountability, it leaves an open wound that does not heal,” he said.
The National Transportation Safety Board continues its investigation. Preliminary findings indicate the cargo jet’s left engine separated shortly after liftoff, causing the aircraft to strike several buildings in the industrial area south of Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. The final report has not yet been released.
Legal proceedings
Separate from the NTSB investigation, Boeing and other parties are scheduled to appear in court later this month in a consolidated lawsuit stemming from the crash. The outcome of those proceedings could have broader implications for aviation safety and corporate responsibility.
As Louisville reflects on the loss, community members expressed a shared hope that the tragedy will lead to stronger safety measures and lasting remembrance of those who were taken too soon.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
