A man who suffered life-threatening injuries in the UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, has died more than seven weeks after the tragic incident. With his passing, the total number of people killed in the crash has now reached 15, making it one of the deadliest U.S. aviation disasters of the year.
Victim Identified by Louisville Mayor
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed that the victim was Alain Rodriguez Colina, who died on Thursday after weeks of critical care.
In a message shared on social media, Greenberg expressed deep sorrow, stating that Colina became the 15th victim of UPS Flight 2976. He explained that Colina had sustained severe injuries at the time of the crash and passed away earlier on Christmas Day, offering condolences to the family and honoring his memory.
State Leaders React to Tragic Update
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear also responded to the updated death toll. He urged residents to keep the victims’ families in their prayers, emphasizing the need for continued support in the days, months, and years ahead so families know they are not alone.
Timeline of the UPS Flight 2976 Crash
The fatal accident occurred on November 4, when UPS Flight 2976 crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville International Airport.
Moments after departure, the cargo plane lost control and slammed into a nearby industrial area, killing three crew members onboard and 11 people on the ground. The aircraft had been en route to Honolulu at the time of the crash.
NTSB Preliminary Findings Reveal Engine Failure
According to an early investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board, the aircraft experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure shortly after takeoff.
Investigators reported that the left engine separated from the wing and immediately caught fire. Airport surveillance footage shows the engine and its pylon breaking away as the plane rotated during takeoff, followed by flames erupting from the detached engine.
The engine later struck the ground, igniting a secondary fire near the wing’s attachment point. The blaze continued as the aircraft ultimately crashed into a storage yard and two nearby buildings, intensifying the destruction.
A Deadly Aviation Disaster Under Ongoing Investigation
Colina’s death marks the latest and final fatality tied to this devastating UPS cargo plane crash. With 15 lives lost, the tragedy has drawn national attention and underscores the importance of aviation safety, mechanical inspections, and emergency response preparedness.
Investigators continue working to determine the exact cause of the engine separation and whether additional safety measures could prevent similar disasters in the future.
