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
Suspended Dearborn Ford worker Thomas Sabula received more than $320K after Trump flips him off
DEARBORN, Mich. — A suspended Ford Motor Company employee has become the focus of national attention after a confrontation with former President Donald Trump during a visit to a Dearborn assembly plant, prompting an outpouring of public support that has raised more than $324,000 for his family through an online fundraiser.
The worker, Thomas “TJ” Sabula, a 40-year-old United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 600 member, was placed on suspension pending an internal investigation following an exchange that occurred while Trump was touring the facility.
According to video later obtained and published by TMZ, an off-camera voice can be heard shouting “pedophile protector” at the former president, an apparent reference to the administration’s handling of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
In the footage, Trump appears to mouth an expletive and make a hand gesture before walking away.
The Washington Post subsequently identified Sabula as the individual who made the remark.
In an interview with the newspaper, Sabula confirmed that he was suspended after the incident and said he believes the action amounts to political retaliation.
“As far as calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever,” Sabula told The Post. “But I am concerned about my job. I believe I’ve been targeted for political retribution for embarrassing him in front of his friends.”
Sabula, who describes himself as politically independent, said he has never voted for Trump, though he has supported Republican candidates in the past.
In the days following the incident, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist Sabula and his family during his suspension.
The campaign states that Sabula is “a father of two young children, a husband, and a proud UAW Local 600 line worker,” and that the funds will be used to help cover household and living expenses “during this time of uncertainty.” Donations quickly surged past $100,000, with notable contributions reportedly made by the rock band Dropkick Murphys.
Supporters have characterized Sabula’s actions as a form of protest and free expression, while others have questioned whether his conduct violated workplace policies.
Ford Motor Company and union representatives have not publicly released details regarding the status of the internal investigation or whether disciplinary action beyond the suspension is being considered.
Following his visit to the Dearborn plant, Trump went on to deliver remarks at the Detroit Economic Club, where he had last spoken in October 2024.
The incident continues to draw attention amid broader political debate, as questions remain about workplace discipline, free speech, and the role of political expression in employment settings.