UPS Confirms Identities of Three Crew Members Lost in Louisville Plane Crash
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — A deep sadness has fallen over Louisville and the wider aviation community as authorities confirm the identities of the three UPS crew members who lost their lives in the devastating UPS Flight 2976 crash near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
The flight crew consisted of Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Captain Dana Diamond—all three perished when their McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo jet went down shortly after takeoff on Tuesday evening, November 4, 2025. The tragic accident claimed twelve lives in total, including a young child and several others in nearby areas affected by the fiery crash.
According to early reports, UPS Flight 2976 had just departed from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport when it encountered difficulties mere minutes into its climb. Witnesses on the ground reported seeing smoke trailing from one of the engines before the aircraft descended rapidly and crashed near a wooded area south of the runway. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but the impact and ensuing fire left no chance of survival for those aboard.
Among the identified victims, First Officer Lee Truitt, 42, was a highly respected pilot and beloved member of the Albuquerque, New Mexico, aviation community. A graduate of the University of New Mexico, Truitt’s passion for flight began early, and his career reflected dedication and excellence. Before joining UPS, he honed his skills at Cutter Aviation and Bode Aviation, two well-known flight organizations based in New Mexico. Colleagues remember him as a humble and patient mentor who always went out of his way to help new pilots find their footing.
Captain Richard Wartenberg, the commanding pilot on board, was known for his decades of experience and leadership in the skies. His colleagues describe him as calm under pressure, a pilot whose professionalism earned the respect of everyone he worked with. He had spent much of his career flying long-haul international routes and was admired for his commitment to safety and precision.
Relief Captain Dana Diamond, a veteran aviator, was serving as the additional captain on rotation for the long cargo route. She was celebrated not only for her technical expertise but for her mentorship and dedication to supporting younger pilots in the male-dominated aviation field. Her friends say she had an adventurous spirit and a strong belief in teamwork—values that defined her both in and out of the cockpit.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are jointly investigating the crash. Early findings point to a possible mechanical failure, though officials have emphasized that the investigation will take time as they analyze flight data and cockpit voice recorders recovered from the wreckage.
In a public statement, UPS Airlines President Jim Mayer said, “Our hearts are broken. These crew members were part of our UPS family—dedicated, skilled professionals who embodied the very best of aviation.” He extended condolences to the victims’ families, promising full support and cooperation with investigators.
In Louisville, memorials have begun forming outside the airport and UPS facilities. Candles, flowers, and handwritten notes line the sidewalks, each one reflecting a community united in grief and gratitude for the lives lost in service.
As the investigation continues, the legacy of Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and Relief Captain Dana Diamond remains one of courage, professionalism, and devotion to their craft. Their memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who flew beside them and the countless lives they touched on the ground.