Death Toll From UPS Plane Crash Rises To 15
A Cuban immigrant, Alain Rodriguez Colina, tragically passed away on Christmas Day due to severe burns sustained in the UPS cargo plane crash that occurred last month in Louisville, Kentucky. His death brought the total number of fatalities to 15, according to officials.
Colina was working at Grade A Auto Parts & Recycling when the fully loaded plane crashed, causing a massive fireball as it plowed into nearby businesses. Governor Andy Beshear and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed Colina’s death through social media.
“May Alain’s memory be a blessing,” Mayor Greenberg expressed on Thursday.
The UPS cargo plane crash claimed the lives of three pilots and several individuals after the left engine detached during takeoff. Subsequent investigations revealed cracks where the engine connected to the wing. Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville houses the largest UPS package delivery hub.
Colina, who had immigrated from Cuba, was a valued employee at the scrapyard, quickly advancing to the role of metal buyer. He had embraced the company’s values and life in Louisville, even becoming a University of Kentucky fan. His family resided in the area, and he had a daughter in Cuba.
Colina was with a customer and a coworker during the crash, both of whom tragically did not survive. Despite sustaining severe burns over 50% of his body, he fought for weeks before succumbing to his injuries on Christmas Day.
Described as a good man with a big heart, Colina made the most of the opportunities he found in the United States. His untimely passing has left a void at Grade A Auto Parts & Recycling.
Legal actions have been initiated following the crash, alleging negligence in the maintenance of older aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration has grounded all MD-11s, which were exclusively used for cargo transport.
