Louisville, Kentucky – November 4, 2025
A city is in mourning tonight after a UPS MD-11 cargo plane crashed into a truck stop near Louisville’s I-65 corridor early Tuesday morning — killing four people and leaving eleven others injured in a tragedy that has shaken the nation.
Authorities confirmed the aircraft, en route from Dallas–Fort Worth to Louisville International Airport, went down during its final approach shortly after 3:00 a.m. local time. The impact triggered a massive explosion, igniting several fuel trucks and engulfing the area in flames that could be seen from miles away.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and courage. “It looked like the sky was on fire,” said a truck driver who narrowly escaped the blast. “And yet, people ran toward it — not away.”
Hours later, as investigators combed through the wreckage, one heartbreaking detail emerged that sent shockwaves through the sports world.
Among those killed was Donte Kent, 25, a former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback who had signed briefly with the team in 2024 after a standout college career at Central Michigan.
Kent, remembered by teammates as “the quiet fighter,” was reportedly traveling as part of a logistics internship with UPS after stepping away from football earlier this year to focus on a new chapter in his life.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin released a statement late Tuesday:
“Donte was more than a player — he was a presence. His humility, his discipline, and his love for the game left a mark on everyone who met him. Today, our hearts are broken.”
Fans flooded social media with tributes under the hashtag #ForDonte, sharing highlights of his preseason tackles and his trademark smile. One post read simply: “He didn’t make headlines often — but he made an impact every single day.”
The NTSB has launched an investigation into the crash, focusing on possible mechanical failure. UPS issued a statement expressing “deep sorrow for the lives lost,” adding that grief counselors are being made available to employees and affected families.
For the city of Louisville — and for the Steelers community — this is more than a tragic headline. It’s a reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be, even for those who once seemed invincible beneath the bright lights of an NFL stadium.
