Louisville, KY – Authorities have completed the identification of all 14 victims killed in the August 9th UPS cargo plane crash near Louisville International Airport, officials announced wednesday. The crash, which occurred when the UPS flight 1354 went down shortly after takeoff, resulted in the deaths of both crew members and individuals on the ground.
the tragedy has deeply impacted the Louisville community and beyond, leaving families and friends to grapple with sudden loss. The victims represent a range of ages and professions, and were, according to those who knew them, simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. The identification process, described as “incredibly challenging” by the Jefferson County Coroner’s office, has now concluded.
Among those killed was John Spray, 45, who died at Grade A Auto Parts & Recycling when the plane crashed into the business. His partner, Tifany Torok, wrote in a GoFundMe account for their daughter that he “was in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Louisnes Fedon, 47, and his 3-year-old granddaughter, Kimberly Asa, also perished at the recycling facility, with relatives stating they too were victims of circumstance.
matthew Sweets, 37, an electrician and father of two young children, Cohen and Rayne, succumbed to severe burns sustained in the crash days after the incident. Ella Petty Whorton, 31, was also at the recycling business, working with her boyfriend, Eric Richardson, to collect scrap metal. ”she was a great person,” Richardson said. “Everybody loved her. I miss her so much.”
The remaining victims have been identified as Angela Anderson, 45; Carlos Fernandez, 52; Trinadette Chavez, 37; Tony Crain, 65; John Loucks, 52; and Megan Washburn, 35. Officials have not yet released details regarding their locations at the time of the crash.
Jefferson County Coroner Jo-Ann Farmer emphasized the emotional toll of the recovery and identification process. ”If I get used to this and it doesn’t bother me anymore, I’m in the wrong profession,” she stated. The coroner’s office has been credited with working “tirelessly” under difficult conditions to bring closure to the families affected by the crash.
