Local News
Matt Sweets Dies After Courageous Battle in ICU Following UPS Plane Crash in Louisville
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.
In a heartfelt statement, Matt’s sister Michelle Sweets expressed deep gratitude for the community’s compassion and support:
“I want to thank everyone who has reached out with kind words and well wishes to me and my family regarding my brother, Matt Sweets. It is with the heaviest heart that I share he passed away this afternoon after fighting his hardest in the ICU. The outpouring of love and concern from our community has been truly touching. We’ll share information about arrangements in the next day or two. For now, please keep his girlfriend, Brooke, and his two young children in your prayers, as well as the rest of our family.”
Matt was among those severely injured in the November 4, 2025, crash when the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo aircraft plummeted shortly after takeoff, erupting into a massive fireball that engulfed several buildings near Grade Lane and Fern Valley Road.
The disaster claimed at least 13 lives, including the three UPS crew members onboard, while 16 individuals remain unaccounted for. Officials have warned that the death toll may rise as recovery efforts continue.
According to relatives, Matt initially survived the impact but suffered third-degree burns covering approximately 95% of his body.
Despite undergoing intensive treatment and multiple surgeries, his injuries proved too severe.
Before his passing, friends and family launched a community fundraiser to support Brooke Murray, Matt’s longtime partner, and their two young children.
The campaign aimed to alleviate financial burdens caused by mounting medical costs and loss of household income while Matt remained hospitalized.
“Matt is a fighter,” the campaign description read. “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.”
Donations were designated to cover essential living expenses, including rent, groceries, and utilities, allowing the family to focus on Matt’s recovery. Following his passing, those funds will now be used to assist Brooke and the children as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
Meanwhile, Governor Andy Beshear described the crash as “catastrophic,” extending condolences to the victims’ families and commending first responders for their tireless efforts.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues to lead the investigation.
Preliminary findings suggest the plane’s left engine detached from the wing shortly after takeoff, leading to the fiery crash.
Local authorities have also issued a fraud alert, warning families to be cautious of scammers posing as investigators and demanding money in exchange for information about missing loved ones.
Anyone receiving such messages is urged to contact Louisville Metro Police at (502) 574-LMPD (5673) and refrain from sending payments.
As Louisville mourns one of its most devastating aviation tragedies, the community continues to rally around the victims’ families — especially Brooke Murray and her children, who are now facing life without the man they loved.
“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 chapter of their lives. Matt’s courage and strength will never be forgotten.”
Local News
At least two killed, multiple trapped after explosion at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol
BRISTOL, Pa. (Bucks County) — Emergency crews are responding to a major incident at the Silver Lake Nursing Home following a reported gas explosion that caused a partial building collapse.
The incident occurred at approximately 905 Tower Road, where a second alarm and a Level 2 Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) response were requested as conditions escalated.
First-arriving units reported significant structural damage to the facility, prompting an immediate search-and-rescue operation for residents and staff.
Authorities on scene indicated that approximately 15 patients were initially accounted for outside the building, while multiple others remain unaccounted for.
Rescue teams have reported numerous individuals trapped beneath debris on the second floor, as well as additional victims trapped in the basement area.
At least two fatalities has been reported in the basement, according to early emergency communications.
As the situation developed, a third alarm was transmitted, bringing in substantial mutual aid resources, including out-of-county fire, rescue, and emergency medical units. A medical helicopter has been placed on standby in anticipation of critical patient transport.
Emergency personnel continue to conduct systematic searches of the damaged structure while assessing stability concerns and coordinating patient triage.
The extent of injuries and the total number of victims have not yet been confirmed.
Road closures are in effect in the surrounding area as emergency operations continue. Officials have advised the public to avoid the scene to allow responders unobstructed access.
This remains a rapidly evolving situation.
Authorities are expected to release additional information as more details are confirmed.