Local News
Fundraiser Launched for Louisville UPS Plane Crash Survivor Matt Sweets Battling Critical Burns
UPDATE: The family of Matt Sweets has confirmed his passing after a valiant fight for life in the intensive care unit, where he was being treated for critical burn injuries sustained in the UPS Flight 2976 plane crash near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
A community fundraiser has been established to support Brooke Murray and her partner, Matt Sweets, the father of their two young children, following the catastrophic UPS Flight 2976 plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky.
Matt Sweets was among those severely injured in the November 4, 2025, disaster when he was caught in the fireball aftermath of the crash near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
Officials have confirmed at least nine fatalities and sixteen individuals still unaccounted for, with authorities warning that the death toll may continue to rise as recovery efforts progress.
According to the family, Matt miraculously survived but sustained third-degree burns over 95% of his body.
He remains in critical condition, undergoing intensive treatment and facing an extensive recovery process that will likely involve multiple surgeries and long-term rehabilitation.
“Matt is a fighter,” the fundraiser description reads. “We are holding on to every bit of hope and faith that God gives us. He has a long road ahead, but we are believing for his healing.”
The campaign explains that Matt is the sole provider for his family, and with him hospitalized indefinitely, Brooke and their children face mounting financial strain.
Donations will go toward covering household bills, groceries, medical costs, and essential living expenses, allowing the family to focus on Matt’s recovery without the added burden of financial insecurity.
Organizers emphasized that no contribution is too small, and every message, prayer, and share helps the family feel the support of their community during this devastating time.
Meanwhile, authorities continue to manage the aftermath of the UPS Flight 2976 tragedy, which involved a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo aircraft that crashed shortly after takeoff, igniting several buildings in an industrial area near Grade Lane and Fern Valley Road.
- Confirmed fatalities: 9
- Missing persons: 16
- Reunification Center: 2911 Taylor Blvd., Louisville
- Shelter-in-place: Now reduced to a ¼-mile radius
- Airport operations: One runway reopened; Runway 17R/35L closed until Nov. 15
- Search and rescue: Ongoing
In a public statement, Governor Andy Beshear expressed condolences to the families impacted and confirmed that the fatality count is expected to increase as crews continue to search through the wreckage.
Louisville authorities also issued a fraud alert after reports surfaced of scammers contacting families of victims, falsely claiming to have information about missing loved ones and demanding payment.
Officials urged the public to remain vigilant, stating that no legitimate agency or investigator will request money for information.
Anyone receiving suspicious messages is advised not to respond or send money and to report the incident immediately to Louisville Metro Police at (502) 574-LMPD (5673).
As the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) leads the investigation into the cause of the crash, the Louisville community continues to rally around those affected — especially survivors like Matt Sweets, whose fight for life has become a symbol of hope amid the tragedy.
“Matt and Brooke are loved by so many,” the fundraiser page concludes. “Please keep them in your prayers and help us support this family as they face the most difficult battle of their lives.”
TRUCKEE, Calif. — The families of six of the nine individuals killed in last week’s avalanche near Castle Peak have publicly identified their loved ones and released a statement expressing profound grief as they begin to mourn the sudden loss.
The six women have been identified as Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar, and Kate Vitt.
A representative for their families said the women were mothers, wives, and close friends who bonded over a shared love of the outdoors and a deep passion for skiing.
“We are devastated beyond words,” the families said in a joint statement. “Our focus right now is supporting our children through this incredible tragedy and honoring the lives of these extraordinary women.”
According to the statement, eight close friends had carefully organized a professionally guided, two-night backcountry hut trip to Frog Lake Huts outside Truckee.
The excursion had been scheduled well in advance and was led by professional guides.
The group began their three-day trip on Sunday, as winter storm warnings intensified across the Sierra Nevada.
They stayed in high-country huts near Frog Lake, accessible only by challenging backcountry trails.
Family members described the women as experienced and well-prepared backcountry skiers who deeply respected the mountains.
They were trained in avalanche safety, fully equipped with proper rescue gear, and trusted their professional guides during the trip.
“We have many unanswered questions,” the families said, “but we know they were passionate, skilled skiers who cherished time together in the mountains.”
The avalanche struck on February 17 near Castle Peak, claiming the lives of nine people.
The women lived in the Bay Area, Idaho, and the Truckee–Tahoe region.
Two sisters were among those killed, according to their brother, McAlister Clabaugh, who spoke to media outlets. Caroline Sekar, a mother of two, lived in San Francisco, while her sister Liz Clabaugh resided in Boise, Idaho. Their brother said they were traveling with close college friends.
Mill Valley Mayor Max Perrey confirmed that some members of the group were mothers from his community.
Sugar Bowl Academy, a private ski academy located on Donner Summit, also issued a statement mourning the loss of skiers with strong ties to the Sugar Bowl and backcountry community. Executive Director Stephen McMahon described the academy as “an incredibly close and connected community” and said the tragedy had deeply affected its members. The academy has produced multiple Olympic athletes over the years.
Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo noted that one of the victims was married to a member of a local backcountry search and rescue team.
In their statement, the families expressed gratitude for the extensive rescue and recovery efforts conducted by Nevada County Search and Rescue, Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue, and other responding agencies. They also thanked the broader Tahoe community and supporters nationwide for the outpouring of compassion.
“We are heartbroken and are doing our best to care for one another and our families in the way we know these women would have wanted,” the statement read.
The families have asked for privacy and space as they grieve what they described as a sudden and profound loss.
The investigation into the avalanche remains ongoing as authorities continue to review weather conditions and terrain factors surrounding the tragedy.