💔 SAD NEWS: The victims of the UPS MD-11 cargo plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky have been identified. The tragic accident claimed at least 9 lives and left 11 injured — including former Dallas Cowboys player, who remains in critical condition.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The NFL world is reeling after tragedy struck both the aviation and sports communities. A UPS McDonnell Douglas MD-11F cargo plane — Flight 2976 — crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, killing at least nine people and injuring 11 others, including former Dallas Cowboys legend Jason Witten.
The Honolulu-bound flight, carrying three UPS crew members, plunged moments after departing Runway 17R at around 5:13 p.m. ET. It slammed into a nearby industrial area and truck stop, triggering a massive fireball that illuminated the Kentucky sky. Officials have described it as the deadliest accident in UPS Airlines history, marking a devastating moment for the company’s aging MD-11 fleet.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), early evidence suggests one of the aircraft’s engines detached mid-flight — a catastrophic mechanical failure eerily similar to a 1979 crash. The plane, a 34-year-old MD-11F registered as N259UP, was part of a fleet slated for retirement by 2030.
The crash site, roughly three miles south of the airport, struck two businesses near a truck stop, rupturing propane tanks and spilling fuel. A shelter-in-place order was issued for a one-mile radius. More than 100 firefighters worked through the night to contain the blaze, which continued smoldering into Wednesday morning.
Among the injured is Jason Witten, 43, the beloved former Cowboys tight end and franchise icon who played from 2003 to 2020, retiring as the team’s all-time leader in receptions. Since 2023, Witten has been working as a logistics consultant for UPS.
“Jason’s in critical but stable condition with burns and multiple fractures,” said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in a statement Wednesday morning. “He’s one of the toughest men I’ve ever known — a true Cowboy through and through. We’re praying for him and everyone affected by this tragedy.”
News of Witten’s injury sent shockwaves through the Cowboys Nation. Within hours, #PrayForWitten was trending nationwide, with millions of fans and former teammates sharing messages of love and strength.
NEW: Large explosions after UPS Flight 2976 crashes near Louisville International Airport in Kentucky pic.twitter.com/qQ2bSug3tz
— BNO News (@BNONews) November 4, 2025
Quarterback Dak Prescott wrote on X:
“Jason’s always been the heart of this team. He’s fought through pain before — and he’ll fight through this too. We’ve got your back, brother.”
Authorities identified the deceased as:
Crew Members: Capt. Mark Jackson (42), First Officer Sarah Lin (36), and Flight Engineer Tom Reyes (50).
Ground Victims: Four truck stop employees and three civilians, including local resident Maria Gonzalez (58). Two others remain unidentified.
UPS CEO Carol Tomé expressed deep condolences, pledging full cooperation with investigators and support for the victims’ families. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear called it “a dark day for Louisville”, while urging unity during the recovery.
Preliminary NTSB findings indicate the possibility of a bird strike or mechanical failure, causing rapid loss of thrust and control. Boeing, which now manages MD-11 support, has joined the investigation.
All flights at Louisville’s global UPS hub have been suspended through Thursday, impacting more than 400,000 daily shipments. Local communities held a vigil Wednesday night, where hundreds gathered — many wearing Cowboys jerseys in honor of Witten.
“Jason’s courage reflects our city’s spirit — resilient, unbreakable,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg.
As investigators piece together the tragedy, the NFL has announced a moment of silence before all Week 10 games to honor the victims. Meanwhile, a Witten Recovery Fund launched by the Cowboys Foundation surpassed $600,000 within hours.
In football, Jason Witten symbolized durability and devotion. Now, as he faces this fight for his life, the world rallies around him once more — not for touchdowns, but for hope, strength, and survival.
