3-year-old girl and her grandfather killed in Louisville UPS plane crash while gathering metal near airport

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Victims are starting to be identified following Tuesday’s deadly UPS cargo plane crash near Muhammad Ali International Airport. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed that 13 people have died, including 3-year-old Kimberly Asa and her grandfather, Louisnes “Lou” Fedon.

Grandfather and granddaughter among Louisville UPS plane crash victims

Louisnes “Lou” Fedon and his 3-year-old granddaughter, Kimberly Asa, were gathering metal at a scrapyard near Muhammad Ali International Airport when tragedy struck. The MD-11 freighter exploded shortly after takeoff on Tuesday, Nov. 4, killing both.

Fedon, a father of four and grandfather of three, often visited the scrapyard to collect metal for income. On Tuesday, he and Kimberly were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, according to a GoFundMe campaign created by family friends.

GoFundMe campaign created for support

The fundraiser describes Fedon as “a major lifeline and support system” for his teenage children. He drove them to school in New Albany, Indiana every day and covered essential services like cell phone bills and medical appointment travel.

“In a shocking twist of fate, Lou and his granddaughter were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time,” the campaign reads. “His death has created a sudden and immense void that goes far beyond emotional grief.”

The GoFundMe aims to help the Hall family cover basic living expenses and secure a reliable vehicle. Organizers say transportation is critical to ensure the teens can continue attending school and managing their medical care.

Details of the unfortunate UPS plane crash

The MD-11-F aircraft was en route to Honolulu when it crashed at 5:15 p.m. local time on Nov. 4. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), a fire erupted from the left wing during takeoff. The plane briefly lifted off, cleared the runway fence, and then crashed into multiple structures off airport property.

UPS confirmed the deaths of all three crew members: Capt. Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Capt. Dana Diamond.

“This continues to be an incredibly sad time for our entire UPS family,” the company said in a statement.

UPS Plane Crash Victims

Fifteen people were hospitalized after the crash. Thirteen have been released, while two remain in critical condition.

Nine people remain missing. Officials believe they were near the crash site when the plane went down.

Ongoing Investigation

The NTSB has recovered the plane’s black box and continues its investigation. Preliminary findings suggest the left engine detached during takeoff. The aircraft had recently undergone heavy maintenance.

State of Emergency

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency. Local, state, and federal agencies are working together to determine the cause of the crash, which marks the deadliest in UPS history.