Captain Richard Wartenberg Memorial Announcement: Experienced Pilot of UPS Flight 2976, Captain Richard Wartenberg, Passes Away in Plane Accident

 LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The community of Louisville and the worldwide UPS network are grieving the heartbreaking loss of three experienced pilots who lost their lives in the accident involving UPS Flight 2976 on the evening of November 4, 2025, close to Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.

The deceased have been recognized as:

Captain Richard Wartenberg

Relief Captain Dana Diamond

First Officer Lee Truitt of Albuquerque, N.M.

The pilots were flying a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo plane destined for Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu when the aircraft suffered a catastrophic malfunction shortly after taking off around 5:15 p.m. The plane went down in an industrial zone near Grade Lane and Fern Valley Road, resulting in a large explosion that severely damaged surrounding buildings and vehicles.

Witnesses captured the alarming final moments on dashcam footage, displaying the aircraft plummeting suddenly before it burst into flames upon hitting the ground. Emergency response teams rushed to the site, where thick black smoke billowed into the sky. Authorities reported at least 12 fatalities, including a young child, while 15 individuals sustained injuries and 16 individuals remain unaccounted for. Officials warned that the death count could increase as search and recovery efforts progress.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear labeled the event as "catastrophic" and urged prayers for the victims, their families, and the first responders. Preliminary investigations indicate that the left engine of the plane may have detached from the wing during takeoff, a significant aspect that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will analyze to uncover the reasons behind the tragedy.

UPS issued a statement reflecting their deep sorrow:

“We are heartbroken over the devastating loss of our friends Captain Richard Wartenberg, Relief Captain Dana Diamond, and First Officer Lee Truitt. Our thoughts are with their families, friends, and the entire UPS community during this challenging time.”

A center for family reunification has been set up at 2911 Taylor Blvd for those affected. Authorities have limited the shelter-in-place order to a quarter-mile radius around the crash site, and airport activities have restarted on one runway, while Runway 17R/35L will stay closed until November 15.

The Louisville Metro Police Department also cautioned the public regarding scammers trying to take advantage of grieving families, stressing that no legitimate entity will ask for payment for victim updates.

The three pilots were esteemed professionals dedicated to serving others through their profession. Their absence is profoundly felt by their families, colleagues, and the Louisville community. Friends, neighbors, and the UPS family remember them as brave, committed, and passionate individuals who devoted their lives to their work.

Captain Wartenberg, Relief Captain Diamond, and First Officer Truitt will always be remembered. May their bravery, commitment, and spirit endure in the hearts of those they influenced, and may their families find solace in the love and support from the community.