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.”
Local News
Emergency Responders Dispatched to Major Multi-Vehicle Collision at Budds Creek Road and Crain Highway in Faulkner
FAULKNER, MD (CHARLES COUNTY) — Emergency crews responded to a serious multi-vehicle collision at the intersection of Budds Creek Road and Crain Highway in Faulkner, Maryland, where three vehicles were involved in a crash resulting in multiple injuries.
Upon arrival, first responders assessed several patients at the scene.
A total of nine medical transports were requested due to the severity and number of injuries.
According to emergency officials, five patients required Advanced Life Support (ALS) transport, indicating significant or potentially life-threatening injuries.
An additional four patients were transported under Basic Life Support (BLS) care.
Due to the critical condition of one individual categorized as Priority 1, Maryland State Police Aviation Command’s Trooper 7 was dispatched to the scene for rapid medical air transport.
Traffic delays were reported in the area as emergency services, including fire, EMS, and law enforcement, worked to treat victims and clear the roadway.
The conditions of all patients remain under evaluation, and authorities have not yet released identifying information or the potential cause of the crash.
The incident remains under investigation by local officials.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.