University of Louisville Alumnus and Father Matt Sweets Remembered After Crash
In Louisville, Kentucky, the life of Matt Sweets, a 2011 marketing graduate of the University of Louisville’s College of Business and a devoted father and partner, was remembered with deep love and sorrow following a tragic plane crash near the city’s aviation hub. His passing has left family, friends, and the university community struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of someone widely admired and cherished.
The crash occurred on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, when a UPS Airlines cargo plane departing from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure shortly after takeoff. Reports indicated that one of the aircraft’s engines detached during ascent, leading to a severe fire and destruction in the nearby industrial area. Emergency services responded quickly, but the scale of the accident was devastating.
Among those affected was Matt Sweets, who sustained serious burn injuries in the aftermath of the crash. He fought courageously in hospital for two days before passing away on Thursday afternoon, surrounded by family and loved ones. His sister, Michelle Sweets, shared that the family was heartbroken and requested prayers for Matt’s longtime girlfriend, Brooke, and their two young children.
Born and raised in the Louisville area, Matt graduated from the University of Louisville in 2011 with a degree in Marketing. After graduation, he pursued a successful career while remaining closely connected to his hometown and the university. Friends and colleagues describe him as hardworking, generous, and full of optimism. Above all, he was a dedicated father whose greatest joy came from spending time with his children and family.
In a public statement, the University of Louisville College of Business remembered Matt as a proud alumnus who embodied the values of leadership, kindness, and integrity. Faculty members and classmates recalled his enthusiasm for teamwork and his willingness to help others. “He brought light into every room,” one former professor said. “He was the kind of student you never forget.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an extensive investigation into the mechanical issues that caused the crash. Preliminary findings suggest the left-wing engine broke away during takeoff, causing a chain reaction of failures that ultimately led to the fire and loss of the aircraft. The tragedy resulted in multiple casualties, marking one of the deadliest aviation incidents in recent Louisville history.
As the community grieves, vigils and memorials have been held to celebrate Matt’s life. Friends, neighbors, and fellow alumni have shared heartfelt stories about his humor, kindness, and love for his family. Fundraisers were quickly organized to support Brooke and their children, with overwhelming community participation reflecting how deeply Matt was loved.
Through tears and tributes, those closest to him continue to emphasize the same truth — that Matt’s life was defined not by the tragedy that took it, but by the love, joy, and strength he shared with everyone he met. Though gone too soon, his memory continues to inspire all who knew him.