Local News
Louisnes Fedon and his granddaughter killed in UPS plane crash in Louisville
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — Family and friends are mourning the tragic loss of Louisnes “Lou” Fedon and his young granddaughter Kimberly Asa, who were among the victims killed in the UPS Flight 2976 plane crash near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on November 4, 2025.
Family friends Jason and Brandi Mattingly have launched an appeal for urgent community support to assist Shayna and Sheldon Hall, the teenage children of Sharon Hall, following this devastating and unforeseen tragedy.
According to the Mattinglys, Lou Fedon and his granddaughter Kimberly Asa were innocently caught in the wrong place at the wrong time when the UPS cargo plane — a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 — plummeted from the sky and exploded into a massive fireball, destroying multiple structures in an industrial area near Grade Lane and Fern Valley Road.
Lou was far more than a grandfather and father — he was a cornerstone of daily life for Shayna and Sheldon.
His death has left a profound emotional and logistical void that the family is struggling to fill.
He provided essential day-to-day support, including:
- Transportation: Lou personally drove from Louisville, KY to New Albany, IN every school day, ensuring Shayna and Sheldon made it to and from school safely. He also transported them to regular medical appointments each month.
- Basic Necessities: Lou covered essential household services such as cell phone plans and other vital expenses that supported the family’s daily stability.
In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, the family is seeking the community’s help to provide immediate stability for Shayna and Sheldon as they grieve and rebuild.
Donations will go directly to their mother, Sharon Hall, to assist with two key needs:
- Immediate Basic Needs: Covering ongoing living costs such as groceries, transportation for medical appointments, utility bills, and maintaining essential services like phone coverage.
- Reliable Transportation: Purchasing a dependable vehicle to ensure the children can continue attending school and medical appointments, restoring some independence following their father’s passing.
The Mattinglys wrote, “Every dollar helps ensure Shayna and Sheldon can focus on grieving and healing without the overwhelming burden of financial insecurity. Your generosity will help this family rebuild after an unimaginable tragedy.”
Newly released dashcam footage captured the horrifying moment UPS Cargo Flight 2976 plunged from the sky and erupted into flames near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
The footage shows the aircraft descending rapidly before exploding on impact, igniting several buildings and sending plumes of black smoke into the air.
Authorities confirmed that at least 12 people have been killed, including a child, while 15 others were injured and 16 remain unaccounted for.
Officials caution that the death toll is expected to rise as search and recovery efforts continue through the wreckage.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear described the crash as “catastrophic,” urging the public to pray for victims, families, and first responders. “That number is going to get larger,” he said, acknowledging the grim outlook as recovery operations proceed.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo jet departed Louisville at approximately 5:15 p.m. bound for Honolulu.
Preliminary findings suggest the aircraft’s left engine detached from the wing during takeoff, moments before the crash — a key detail that will form part of the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) ongoing investigation.
- Fatalities: 12 confirmed; number expected to rise.
- Reunification Center: 2911 Taylor Blvd. established for affected families.
- Search and Rescue: Still underway in surrounding industrial structures.
- Shelter-in-Place: Reduced to a ¼-mile radius around the crash site.
- Airport Operations: One runway remains open; Runway 17R/35L closed until November 15.
Louisville Metro Police have issued a fraud alert, warning families of victims about scammers posing as investigators and demanding payment in exchange for information.
Officials stress that no legitimate agency will request money for updates and urge anyone contacted in such a manner to report the scam immediately to LMPD at (502) 574-LMPD (5673).
Local News
Cessna Aircraft Crashes Into Field During Takeoff Attempt in Batavia, Ohio; Instructor and Student Reportedly Uninjured
BATAVIA, Ohio (Clermont County) — A Cessna aircraft went down into a field after an unsuccessful takeoff attempt near Sporty’s Pilot Shop in Batavia, Ohio, according to preliminary incident information.
Both occupants, a flight instructor and a student pilot, reportedly escaped the incident without injuries.
The aircraft crash was reported near 2001 Sporty’s Drive in Batavia, in Clermont County. Initial information indicates that the Cessna failed to take off and went down into a nearby field.
Two people were aboard the aircraft at the time of the incident. They were identified in the initial report as a flight instructor and a student pilot.
Both occupants reportedly exited the aircraft and were reported to be uninjured. According to the preliminary information, they were being transported back to Sporty’s Pilot Shop following the incident.
No injuries were reported in the information provided, although further official confirmation may be needed.
The incident occurred in the area of Sporty’s Drive in Batavia, a community in Clermont County, Ohio. The aircraft reportedly entered a field after failing to become airborne during its takeoff attempt.
Details about the aircraft’s condition, the precise circumstances of the failed takeoff and whether emergency crews or aviation investigators responded were not immediately available in the initial report.
The cause of the incident has not been established, and no additional information about possible damage to the aircraft was provided.
This is a developing story. Further details may become available as authorities confirm the circumstances surrounding the incident.