Death Toll in UPS Flight 2976 Crash at Louisville Airport Climbs to 13
The death toll from the UPS cargo plane crash near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport has risen to 13, authorities confirmed on November 6, 2025. The tragic crash involved UPS Airlines Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo aircraft that crashed shortly after takeoff on November 4, 2025, killing all three crew members onboard and claiming additional lives on the ground.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg shared the tragic update during a Teamsters’ vigil, expressing his condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues affected by the disaster. He emphasized the city’s commitment to supporting those impacted as recovery and investigation efforts continue.
The victims aboard the flight have been identified as Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Captain Dana Diamond, all UPS employees. Their names were officially released by UPS in a statement expressing deep sorrow and solidarity with the community and victims’ families.
Crash and Immediate Aftermath
Flight 2976 was a scheduled domestic cargo service from Louisville, Kentucky, to Honolulu, Hawaii. The plane suffered a catastrophic engine separation shortly after liftoff, leading it to crash into an industrial area near the airport. According to reports, several casualties occurred on the ground as well, bringing the total death count to 13. Multiple people were hospitalized, with at least two in critical condition as of November 5.
Search and rescue teams continue to operate at the crash site to recover remains and assist with identification. The local coroner has not yet positively identified all victims due to the severity of the incident.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a thorough investigation into the accident. NTSB board member Todd Inman noted that investigators are reviewing the aircraft’s maintenance history, particularly the six weeks it spent in San Antonio before the crash. The investigation will also include analysis of CCTV footage from the airfield to reconstruct the events leading up to the incident.
Authorities caution that the investigative process will be lengthy and detailed, aiming to uncover all causal factors to prevent similar events in the future.
Aircraft and Crew Background
The aircraft involved was a 34-year-old McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, registered as N259UP. Originally delivered to Thai Airways as a passenger aircraft in 1991, it was converted to a cargo plane and operated by UPS since 2006. The plane was powered by three General Electric CF6-80C2D1F engines.
The crew aboard Flight 2976 were highly experienced professionals employed by UPS Airlines. UPS Airlines is the second-largest cargo airline in the United States with an extensive global network.
UPS Response and Community Impact
UPS executives have expressed profound grief over the tragedy. Executive Vice President Nando Cesarone offered condolences and highlighted UPS’s commitment to supporting employees and families affected by the crash. UPS CEO Carol Tomé also sent a message that the company stands united in the wake of the heartbreaking loss.
The Louisville community has rallied around those impacted, with vigils and support initiatives underway. Local health facilities remain involved in treating the injured, while city officials ensure resources are in place for recovery efforts.
This incident marks one of the deadliest crashes in UPS Airlines’ history, previously marred by two fatal accidents in 2010 and 2013. As investigations proceed, more information is expected to be released by the NTSB and local officials.