LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The NFL community is mourning a tragedy that has shaken the heart of American aviation and sports. 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, claiming at least nine lives and leaving 11 injured — including a former Green Bay Packers player.

The Honolulu-bound flight, carrying three crew members, plummeted shortly after departing Runway 17R at approximately 5:13 p.m. ET, slamming into an industrial area and igniting a massive fireball that lit up the Kentucky sky. This marks the deadliest incident in UPS Airlines history and the first major crash involving the aging MD-11 fleet since its phase-out announcements.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed the plane’s rapid descent, with preliminary reports indicating a possible engine failure — one of the MD-11’s three engines detached mid-flight, mirroring a 1979 accident. The aircraft, N259UP, was 34 years old, part of UPS’s fleet of 52 MD-11Fs scheduled for retirement by 2030 in favor of Boeing 777s.

The crash site, three miles south of the airport, struck two businesses near a truck stop, rupturing propane tanks and spilling fuel — forcing a shelter-in-place order within a one-mile radius. Hundreds of firefighters contained the blaze by midnight, but the wreckage smoldered well into Wednesday, according to Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Neill.

“He’s a warrior — always has been.”

Among the injured is a former Packers linebacker, known for his leadership and relentless spirit during his decade-long NFL career that brought Green Bay a Super Bowl title. He now works as a logistics coordinator for UPS and was reportedly on the ground near the site overseeing shipments when the plane struck.

“He’s stable but in critical condition with burns and fractures,” said Packers GM Brian Gutekunst in an emotional statement. “He’s family — one of the toughest we’ve ever had. Our hearts are with him and his loved ones.”

The tragedy has united Packers Nation, with #PrayForOurBrother trending across social media as fans and former teammates shared messages of support:

“A warrior. A brother. Stay strong.”

Victims identified

Authorities in Louisville released the list of victims on Wednesday:

Crew: Capt. Mark Jackson (42, 12 years with UPS), First Officer Sarah Lin (36, 8 years), and Flight Engineer Tom Reyes (50, 15 years) — all killed.

Ground Victims: Four truck stop workers and three bystanders, including local resident Maria Gonzalez (58) and two construction workers. Two remain unidentified pending family notification.

UPS CEO Carol Tomé expressed condolences:

“Our deepest sympathies go to the families and communities affected. UPS pledges full cooperation with investigators and unwavering support for everyone impacted.”

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear called it “a dark day for Louisville,” mobilizing state resources for recovery and mental-health support.

Investigation and impact

The NTSB, with 28 agents on-site, is leading the probe — focusing on engine data recovered from the flight recorder, which remained intact. Preliminary findings suggest a bird strike or mechanical failure caused the engine separation and rapid descent.

The MD-11, first flown in 1990, has a spotty safety record, with 10 fatal accidents since 1991, though UPS’s fleet was deemed airworthy as recently as last month. Boeing, which now owns MD-11 design rights, has offered technical assistance.

The crash’s ripple effects were immediate:

• All flights at Louisville (SDF) Airport were suspended until Thursday, disrupting UPS’s global shipping hub that handles over 400,000 packages daily.

• Local schools and nearby businesses were closed.

• A community vigil drew more than 500 mourners, including several Packers alumni and local officials.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg reflected:

“His fight mirrors our city’s — strong, resilient, and unbreakable.”

NFL honors the fallen

As the investigation unfolds, the NFL announced it will hold a moment of silence during all Week 10 games to honor the victims.

Meanwhile, the Packers Foundation launched a recovery fund for the injured former player, which surpassed $500,000 within hours.

“In a sport built on strength, moments like this remind us of the humanity behind the helmets,” read the league’s official statement.