Louisville and UPS Community Mourn Three Veteran Pilots Killed in UPS Flight 2976 Crash

Louisville and UPS Community Mourn Three Veteran Pilots Killed in UPS Flight 2976 Crash

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The city of Louisville and the entire UPS community are mourning a heartbreaking tragedy after three veteran pilots lost their lives in the crash of UPS Flight 2976 on Tuesday evening, November 4, 2025. The cargo flight, which was en route to Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, went down just a few miles from the runway, sending shockwaves through the aviation industry and the close-knit UPS family.

Authorities have identified the victims as Captain Richard Wartenberg, Relief Captain Dana Diamond, and First Officer Lee Truitt of Albuquerque, New Mexico. All three were highly experienced aviators who dedicated decades of their lives to ensuring the safe delivery of goods and the smooth operation of one of the world’s largest logistics networks.

According to preliminary reports from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the aircraft, a Boeing 767 cargo jet, was on final approach to the airport when it encountered difficulties shortly before 10 p.m. Witnesses in the area described seeing the plane descending rapidly before impact, followed by a burst of flames. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, but tragically, none of the three crew members survived.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg expressed deep condolences on behalf of the city, calling the incident a “profound loss for our community and for the dedicated men and women who keep our global supply chain moving.” He added, “Louisville is the heart of UPS operations, and this tragedy touches all of us deeply. We extend our love and prayers to the families and colleagues of these pilots who gave so much to their profession.”

UPS, which operates one of its largest air hubs—Worldport—at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, released a statement Wednesday morning mourning the loss of its team members.

“Our hearts are broken. We have lost three members of our UPS family—dedicated pilots who exemplified professionalism, commitment, and teamwork. We are working closely with authorities to determine the cause of this tragedy and to support the families of our colleagues during this devastating time,” the company said.

Fellow pilots across the industry have been sharing tributes and memories of the crew online, describing them as “consummate professionals” and “true friends in the skies.” Captain Wartenberg was known for mentoring younger aviators and had more than 20 years of experience flying for UPS. Relief Captain Dana Diamond was widely respected for her steady leadership and passion for aviation safety, while First Officer Lee Truitt, based in Albuquerque, was admired for his skill, positivity, and dedication to his crew.

The crash site, located near a lightly populated area southeast of the airport, has been secured as investigators begin the painstaking process of recovering the flight recorders and examining the wreckage. The NTSB, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and local emergency services are all working in coordination to determine what went wrong in the final moments of the flight.

As flags fly at half-staff across UPS facilities and the Louisville airport community gathers to honor their fallen colleagues, vigils are being planned to remember the three pilots whose lives were tragically cut short while performing their duties.

For many in Louisville, where UPS employs thousands and operates 24/7 flights in and out of the city, this tragedy feels deeply personal. The loss of these seasoned aviators serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by those who keep global commerce moving, often unseen but always essential.

As investigations continue, the legacy of Captain Richard Wartenberg, Relief Captain Dana Diamond, and First Officer Lee Truitt will live on in the skies they loved and in the hearts of the UPS and Louisville communities they served with honor.