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.
โMatt is a fighter,โ the fundraiser description reads. โWe 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.โ
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 Mattโs 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 ยผ-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 โ especially survivors like Matt Sweets, whose fight for life has become a symbol of hope amid the tragedy.
โMatt and Brooke are loved by so many,โ the fundraiser page concludes. โPlease keep them in your prayers and help us support this family as they face the most difficult battle of their lives.โ
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at UrbanaโChampaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. โ A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coronerโs Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coronerโs Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguezโs death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguezโs death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.