LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville community is mourning the loss of 14 lives following the catastrophic crash of UPS Flight 2976, a tragedy that claimed the lives of flight crew, employees, and innocent bystanders in what officials have described as one of the most devastating aviation incidents in the city’s history.

Authorities have confirmed the identities of the victims:

• Capt. Dana Diamond, 62
• Capt. Richard Wartenberg, 57
• First Officer Lee Truitt, 45
• Angela Anderson, 45
• Carlos Fernandez, 52
• Louisnes “Lou” Fedon, 47, and his 3-year-old granddaughter, Kimberly Asa
• Trinadette “Trina” Chavez, 37
• Tony Crain, 65
• John Loucks, 52
• John Spray Jr., 45
• Matthew “Matt” Sweets, 37
• Ella Petty Whorton, 31
• Megan Washburn, 35

Families, friends, and coworkers describe the losses as immeasurable, with grief reverberating through workplaces, neighborhoods, and social circles across the region.

Among those still unaccounted for is 31-year-old Ella Petty Whorton, who routinely visited Grade A Auto Parts to drop off scrap metal and was confirmed to have been at the location shortly before the crash.

Loved ones continue to search for answers as recovery efforts progress.

The crash caused catastrophic damage to Grade A Auto Parts, destroying the business and claiming the lives of several employees.

Owner and CEO Sean Garber described the emotional toll as overwhelming:

“Nobody can comprehend an airplane crashing into your business — taking lives, destroying everything, and leaving so many unanswered questions. It’s one thing to hear about it, but living through it is something entirely different.”

Garber confirmed the deaths of several of his employees and stated that three workers currently remain missing, with one family requesting privacy.

Megan Washburn, 35, was a scrap metal buyer and customer experience agent. She was also a devoted mother to two children — a 20-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter.

John Loucks, 52, worked as a heavy equipment operator and was remembered for his reliability, calm presence, and dedication.

Matthew “Matt” Sweets, 37, a University of Louisville business graduate, is survived by his partner, Brooke Murray, and their two young children. His family remembers him as a loving father, loyal friend, and passionate professional.

The devastating loss of Louisnes Fedon and his 3-year-old granddaughter Kimberly Asa has shaken the community deeply. Family members say the two were inseparable and were in the wrong place at a tragic moment.

UPS confirmed the deaths of all three crew members aboard Flight 2976:

• Captain Richard Wartenberg
• First Officer Lee Truitt
• International Relief Officer Captain Dana Diamond

The company issued a statement honoring their professionalism and service.

Garber and other affected families are now seeking answers, questioning how a cargo aircraft carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel could experience such a catastrophic failure shortly after takeoff.

“Someone was negligent,” Garber said. “These pilots didn’t sign up for this, and neither did our employees. There must be accountability.”

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues its investigation, examining flight records, mechanical components, and eyewitness accounts.

Prayer vigils, assistance funds, and support networks have quickly formed across Louisville as residents and local organizations mobilize to help the families of the victims.

“Please keep these families in your prayers,” Garber urged. “They are living through something no one should ever have to endure.”