Local News
UPS pilots killed in Louisville plane crash identified as Richard Warternberg, Dana Diamond and Lee Truitt
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — United Parcel Service (UPS) has confirmed the identities of the three flight crew members who tragically lost their lives in the crash of UPS Flight 2976 near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening.
The victims have been identified as:
- Captain Richard Wartenberg
- Relief Captain Dana Diamond
- First Officer Lee Truitt from Albuquerque
In a statement released Thursday, UPS expressed its profound grief over the loss, saying,
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleagues Captain Richard Wartenberg, Relief Captain Dana Diamond, and First Officer Lee Truitt. Our hearts are with their families, friends, and the entire UPS family during this difficult time.”
The three veteran pilots were aboard UPS Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo aircraft, when it crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville at approximately 5:15 p.m. on November 4, 2025.
The plane was en route to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu when it experienced a catastrophic failure and went down in an industrial area near Grade Lane and Fern Valley Road.
Newly released dashcam footage captured the horrifying final moments of the aircraft as it descended rapidly and erupted into a massive fireball upon impact.
The explosion ignited multiple nearby buildings and vehicles, sending debris and flames into the air and causing widespread destruction throughout the area.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene as dense black smoke billowed over the city. Officials have confirmed at least 12 fatalities, including a young child, with 15 people injured and 16 still unaccounted for.
Authorities caution that the death toll may continue to rise as search and recovery operations progress.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear described the incident as “catastrophic,” urging prayers for the victims, their families, and the first responders.
“That number is going to get larger,” Beshear said during a press briefing, referring to the increasing casualty count as recovery efforts continue.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has assumed control of the investigation. Early video analysis suggests that the plane’s left engine detached from the wing during takeoff, moments before the crash — a key piece of evidence that will play a crucial role in determining the cause of the disaster.
Authorities have also provided the following operational updates:
- Death Toll: 12 confirmed fatalities, additional victims expected
- Reunification Center: Established at 2911 Taylor Blvd for affected families
- Search & Rescue: Ongoing in surrounding structures
- Shelter-in-Place: Reduced to a ¼-mile radius around the crash site
- Airport Operations: One runway open; Runway 17R/35L closed until November 15
Meanwhile, Louisville Metro Police have issued a public warning about scammers attempting to exploit grieving families by impersonating investigators and demanding payment for information on missing loved ones.
Authorities stressed that no legitimate agency will ever request money in exchange for updates and urged residents to report suspicious communications immediately to LMPD at (502) 574-LMPD (5673).
Additional dashcam footage from nearby motorists showed a massive shockwave rippling across the area as the aircraft exploded on impact, offering investigators valuable insight into one of the most devastating aviation disasters in Louisville’s history.
UPS stated it is working closely with federal authorities and continues to support the families of the victims. The company’s Worldport facility, which serves as its global air hub, remains operational under limited capacity.
Located in Louisville, the 5.2-million-square-foot hub employs over 20,000 people and handles more than 300 flights daily, sorting over 400,000 packages per hour.
Governor Beshear concluded with a message of solidarity:
“Please pray for the pilots, crew, and everyone affected. First responders are onsite, and we will share more information as it becomes available.”
Local News
Donald Robert Morris-Jones Charged in Fatal Wake County Cycling Crash That Killed One and Injured Seven; Bond Set at $1 Million
WAKE COUNTY, N.C. — A devastating collision involving a group of cyclists in Wake County, North Carolina, left one person dead and seven others injured. A 76-year-old Apex man, identified as Donald Robert Morris-Jones, has been arrested and faces multiple felony charges in connection with the crash.
According to the information provided in court records, Morris-Jones was arrested on November 7, 2026, following an investigation by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Authorities allege that he struck multiple cyclists and failed to remain at the scene after the collision.
The incident has deeply affected the cycling community, with one family mourning the loss of a loved one and seven other victims facing injuries and recovery.
Morris-Jones faces a series of charges across two related cases. The charges listed in the supplied court information include:
- One count of felony death by vehicle.
- Seven counts of felony serious injury by vehicle.
- Eight counts of felony hit-and-run involving serious injury or death.
- Driving while impaired.
- Reckless driving with wanton disregard.
- Driving left of center.
The eight hit-and-run counts allege that Morris-Jones failed to stop following the collision, which resulted in one death and injuries to seven other people.
These are allegations contained in the criminal charges. Morris-Jones is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
One charging document alleges that Morris-Jones was driving on State Road 1390 while under the influence of an impairing substance, resulting in serious injuries to another person.
The document describes injuries that reportedly included damage to the person’s leg and ribs, as well as a laceration to the left arm.
A driving-while-impaired record indicates that a blood test was ordered. However, the results had not been released in the information provided, and no conclusion about the test results can be drawn at this stage.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
A judicial official set secured bonds totaling $1 million across the two cases.
The bond amounts were listed as:
- $750,000 in one case.
- $250,000 in the related case.
According to the supplied court documents, the judicial official cited the combined offenses and described an “overwhelming danger to society.” The official also noted that Morris-Jones appeared to have no significant criminal history while expressing concern that he had allegedly attempted to flee to avoid prosecution.
The bond decision reflects the court’s assessment at this stage of the proceedings and does not establish guilt.
Morris-Jones is scheduled to appear in Wake County District Court on November 9, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. The hearing is listed for Courtroom 304.
Further proceedings are expected to address the charges as the case moves through the judicial process. Additional information about the crash, the victims, and the investigation may be released as it becomes available.
Beyond the criminal charges and court proceedings, the crash has left families and an entire cycling community facing a painful loss.
One person will not return home, while seven others have reportedly suffered serious injuries. Their loved ones must now navigate the uncertainty, emotional strain, and challenges that follow a sudden and traumatic event.
For the cyclists involved, what began as a morning ride ended in tragedy. Friends, relatives, and fellow riders are left remembering the person who died while hoping for recovery and healing for those who survived.
Our thoughts are with the family of the person who lost their life, the seven injured cyclists, and everyone affected by this devastating collision.
May the person who died be remembered with love and dignity, and may the injured victims find strength and healing in the days ahead.