Kentucky Scrapyard Worker Alain Rodriguez Colina Dies From Burns After Surviving UPS Cargo Plane Crash in Louisville

Tragedy struck again for families affected by the devastating UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville. Alain Rodriguez Colina, a Kentucky scrapyard worker, passed away on Christmas Day after suffering severe burns from the November 4 accident that destroyed his workplace.

The Crash That Shook Louisville

Colina was at Grade A Recycling when UPS Flight 2976, fully fueled for a flight to Hawaii, veered off the runway shortly after departing Muhammad Ali International Airport. The plane exploded in a massive fireball after its left engine detached during takeoff, killing three pilots and multiple people on the ground.

Colina’s Struggle for Survival

Colina initially survived the crash but suffered burns over half of his body. He was placed in an induced coma and never regained consciousness. Grade A Recycling CEO Sean Garber shared that Colina’s family remained hopeful, visiting him frequently as doctors provided a grim prognosis. Sadly, his condition deteriorated on Thursday before Christmas, and he succumbed to his injuries.

Remembering a Life Full of Passion

Colina immigrated to the U.S. from Cuba, where he had worked as a schoolteacher. He joined Grade A Recycling in 2023 and quickly made an impression with his enthusiasm, kindness, and love for his culture. “He was one of a kind, full of life, full of dreams,” said manager Manuel Leos. Colina leaves behind a daughter in Cuba, as well as a devoted local family.

Honoring Those Lost

Colina was the third employee to die in the crash. At Grade A Recycling, colleagues and friends honored all victims, including eight customers, by placing wreaths on a fence outside the facility. “Every one of us hoped to keep his name off that fence,” Garber said, reflecting the heartbreak of the incident.

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The Tragic Toll on Pilots and Families

The plane’s crew—Captain Dana Diamond, 62, Captain Richard Wartenberg, 57, and First Officer Lee Truitt, 45—also perished. On the ground, the youngest victim was three-year-old Kimberly Asa, who was with her grandfather, Louisnes Fedon, 47, both killed in the crash.

Investigations and Safety Concerns

The National Transportation Safety Board revealed that a cracked engine mount caused the left engine to detach, igniting the fire. The MD-11 cargo plane only reached 30 feet before crashing into the recycling facility. In response, the Federal Aviation Administration temporarily grounded MD-11 aircraft used for cargo.

Legal Battles and Questions for UPS

Two wrongful death lawsuits have been filed against UPS and General Electric, the engine manufacturer. The suits allege that UPS operated older aircraft without proper maintenance, though neither company has publicly responded. MD-11s make up roughly 9 percent of UPS’s fleet and 4 percent of FedEx’s, CNN reported.

Mourning a Community Shaken

Louisville continues to grapple with the human toll of the crash. Colina’s death adds another layer of heartbreak to a tragedy that has already claimed multiple lives and altered the lives of countless families. Governor Andy Beshear and Mayor Craig Greenberg offered condolences, urging the community to keep the victims’ families in their prayers.

This disaster serves as a stark reminder of how fragile safety can be and the enduring impact on those left behind.