REST IN PEACE: Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and Captain Dana Diamond — the three pilots who tragically lost their lives in the heartbreaking UPS plane crash in Louisville.

On November 4, 2025, UPS Airlines Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD‑11F cargo jet bound for Honolulu, crashed shortly after taking off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. In the seconds after departure, the aircraft suffered a catastrophic separation of its left engine and pylon, igniting a fire and leading to a catastrophic loss of control. The plane remained briefly airborne — for as long as 37 seconds — before it impacted an industrial area south of the runway, killing all three crew members on board and numerous people on the ground.

Among those on board were three highly experienced, dedicated pilots who devoted their lives to aviation and to serving others: Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Captain Dana Diamond. Their deaths — wasted in a moment of tragedy — have left an enduring void that rippled from Louisville to their hometowns and to the broader aviation community.

Captain Richard Wartenberg (57)

Richard Wartenberg was a seasoned aviator with decades of experience. A retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, Richard brought a lifetime of disciplined service and technical skill to his civilian flying career. During his time with UPS, he built a reputation as steady, dependable, and someone who could always be counted on.

† Richard’s dedication was not only technical but deeply personal. His neighbors and fellow pilots remembered him as the kind of person who would always step in to help, whether that was assisting a colleague with a challenging flight issue or simply sharing a friendly word with those around him. His presence was marked by quiet competence and generosity — traits that made him respected and beloved both in and out of the cockpit.

Richard’s legacy lives on in the countless hours he spent mentoring other pilots, upholding the highest standards of aviation safety, and serving his community — traits that define a life well lived.

First Officer Lee Truitt (45)

Lee Truitt was a skilled pilot originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico. He had accumulated thousands of flight hours over his career, including extensive time flying the MD‑11. Before joining UPS, Lee gained valuable experience at SkyWest Airlines, where he built the expertise that would make him an indispensable member of UPS’s flight operations.

Beyond his aviation achievements, Lee was also known for his community involvement — including volunteer work with public radio — and for being someone who pursued excellence in everything he did. At just 45 years old, Lee was in the prime of his career and had a bright future ahead.

Friends and colleagues remember Lee as a committed professional who combined technical precision with a warm, compassionate personality — one that lent itself to teamwork, mentorship, and deep human connection. His loss is mourned not just in the skies but in the many lives he touched along the way.

Captain Dana Diamond (62)

Dana Diamond’s career spanned more than 37 years with UPS, making him one of the most experienced pilots in the company’s history. He held the No. 1 seniority position on the MD‑11 fleet and was ranked among the top five pilots across all aircraft types at UPS. His leadership, professionalism, and dedication to safety made him a guiding figure for younger pilots and a respected voice within the industry.

Before becoming a UPS pilot, Dana was a certified flight instructor for both single‑ and multi‑engine aircraft — a role he took on in 1985 after earning his certifications. He also served as fire chief of the Rosansky 3‑N‑1 Volunteer Fire Department in Bastrop County, Texas, showing that his commitment to safety and service extended far beyond aviation.

Additionally, Dana served as vice chairman of the Independent Pilots Association’s Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Committee from 2012 to 2017, helping to educate and protect aviation personnel on emergency response and safety protocols.

At home, Dana was beloved by his family — especially his wife and children — and known for his devotion to those he loved most. His commitment to both career and family made him a role model in every sphere of his life.

A Tragedy That Reverberated Beyond the Cockpit

The loss of these three pilots is not merely a statistic — it represents the loss of fathers, husbands, mentors, and friends whose lives were woven into the fabric of their communities. Their deaths, along with the 12 others on the ground, made the Flight 2976 crash the deadliest in UPS’s history and one of the most devastating aviation tragedies of the year.

Despite the sorrow, many who knew them have spoken about the pilots’ strength of character, their passion for aviation, and the profound respect they earned from all who crossed their paths. In public remembrances and private mourning, their names — Richard, Lee, and Dana — continue to be spoken with reverence and affection.

Remembering Their Impact

These three men represented the best of their profession:

Skill and dedication to their craft.

Commitment to safety in every aspect of flight.

Service to others, demonstrated both in the cockpit and in their communities.

Lives that inspired — from young aviators dreaming of flight, to peers who valued their counsel and friendship.

Their legacy endures not just because of the lives they lived, but because of the hearts they touched and the standards they set for those who follow.

Closing Reflections

Today, we honor Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and Captain Dana Diamond — three pilots whose journey ended in profound tragedy, but whose stories are remembered with deep respect and gratitude. Rather than letting their names fade, we ensure they remain symbols of courage, professionalism, and humanity.

May they rest in peace. And may their families and loved ones find strength in the enduring memory of who they were and all they gave.