UPS employees identified in fatal Louisville plane crash

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Three UPS employees among the 12 killed in a deadly plane crash in Louisville have been identified.

According to a statement by Nando Cesarone, UPS executive vice president of U.S. and UPS Airlines, the three UPS pilots on board of UPS Flight 2976 that were killed include Capt. Richard Wartenberg, first officer Lee Truitt and international relief officer Capt. Dana Diamond.

Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed Thursday that 12 people have died as a result of the plane crash near the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, including a child.

Beshear says this has become a recovery effort instead of a search effort, and they do not expect to find anyone else alive.

The first report of the crash came in at approximately 5:15 p.m. EST Tuesday, according to the governor’s office.

UPS flight 2976 from Louisville was heading to Honolulu with three crewmembers on board, officials say. The plane was involved in a catastrophic crash just beyond the takeoff runway. While the governor’s office says there was no hazardous cargo on board, impacts can create dangerous conditions and items on the ground where the crash took place could also cause potential hazards.

“The number of those lost has now risen to at least nine, with the possibility of more. Right now these families need prayers, love and support. Let’s wrap our arms around them during this unimaginable time,” Beshear said.

The radius for those instructed to shelter in place has been adjusted to anything north of the airport and extending to the Ohio River. This area includes South Louisville, Old Louisville and downtown.

Two businesses were directly impacted, which include Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts.

“First responders are onsite and working hard to extinguish the fire and continue the investigation,” Beshear stated Tuesday night. “Air monitoring assets have been deployed, and we are working to keep the public informed and keep folks in the area safe. We will share more information as it’s available. Please, pray for the families affected, Louisville and all of Kentucky. We are hurting right now after a heartbreaking day.”

In addition, the governor has opened up a relief fund to help those affected. To donate, click here. Donations will go directly to those affected and help pay for funerals of those lost.

News 40 will provide additional information as it is released.