Scrapyard Worker Succumbs to Injuries from UPS Plane Crash, Increasing Fatalities to 15

A Cuban immigrant who had built a new life working at a Kentucky scrapyard tragically passed away on Christmas Day due to severe burns sustained in last month’s UPS cargo plane crash, bringing the death toll to 15, according to officials.

Alain Rodriguez Colina was on the ground when the plane, fully loaded with fuel for a flight to Hawaii, crashed into nearby businesses shortly after taking off from Louisville’s airport, resulting in a massive explosion. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed his death through social media channels.

“May Alain’s memory be a blessing,” the mayor expressed late Thursday.

On November 4, three pilots and several others lost their lives when the plane’s left engine detached during takeoff. Investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board revealed cracks at the engine’s wing connection. Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport serves as the largest UPS package delivery hub.

Colina had been employed at Grade A Auto Parts & Recycling since 2023, quickly advancing to the role of metal buyer. Owner and CEO Sean Garber shared in a phone interview that Colina embraced the company culture and life in Louisville, even becoming a fan of the University of Kentucky. His family, including his mother and siblings, lived in the area, while he had a daughter in Cuba.

Following the crash, workers at the scrapyard described the frantic efforts to assist survivors. Colina was with a customer and a coworker, both of whom died. Although Colina managed to escape, he suffered burns covering over 50% of his body, and doctors had little hope for his recovery.

He was placed in an induced coma and never regained consciousness. His family visited him frequently, and there were signs of healing, but on Thursday, his condition deteriorated.

Garber remembered Colina as a kind-hearted individual who genuinely cared about his work, customers, and family. “He believed in the opportunity he got in the United States and really made the most of it,” Garber said. “He should still be with us.”

Earlier this month, a lawyer filed two wrongful death lawsuits, alleging that the company continued to operate older aircraft without adequate maintenance beyond what was regularly scheduled. The lawsuit also names General Electric, the manufacturer of the plane’s engine. Both UPS and GE have declined to comment on pending litigation but emphasized that safety remains their top priority as they cooperate with federal investigations. Notably, this litigation does not include Colina.

In the coming weeks, local businesses and over 90 individuals affected by the crash, including Colina, plan to file another lawsuit, according to attorney Masten Childers III, whose firm represents these plaintiffs.

“Alain fought hard,” Childers stated. “Alain’s passing must be honored by holding those responsible for his death accountable.”

The Federal Aviation Administration has grounded all MD-11s, the type of aircraft involved in the crash, which have been exclusively used for cargo transport for over a decade.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

A Cuban immigrant who had built a new life working at a Kentucky scrapyard tragically passed away on Christmas Day due to severe burns sustained in last month’s UPS cargo plane crash, bringing the death toll to 15, according to officials.

Alain Rodriguez Colina was on the ground when the plane, fully loaded with fuel for a flight to Hawaii, crashed into nearby businesses shortly after taking off from Louisville’s airport, resulting in a massive explosion. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed his death through social media channels.

“May Alain’s memory be a blessing,” the mayor expressed late Thursday.

On November 4, three pilots and several others lost their lives when the plane’s left engine detached during takeoff. Investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board revealed cracks at the engine’s wing connection. Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport serves as the largest UPS package delivery hub.

Colina had been employed at Grade A Auto Parts & Recycling since 2023, quickly advancing to the role of metal buyer. Owner and CEO Sean Garber shared in a phone interview that Colina embraced the company culture and life in Louisville, even becoming a fan of the University of Kentucky. His family, including his mother and siblings, lived in the area, while he had a daughter in Cuba.

Following the crash, workers at the scrapyard described the frantic efforts to assist survivors. Colina was with a customer and a coworker, both of whom died. Although Colina managed to escape, he suffered burns covering over 50% of his body, and doctors had little hope for his recovery.

He was placed in an induced coma and never regained consciousness. His family visited him frequently, and there were signs of healing, but on Thursday, his condition deteriorated.

Garber remembered Colina as a kind-hearted individual who genuinely cared about his work, customers, and family. “He believed in the opportunity he got in the United States and really made the most of it,” Garber said. “He should still be with us.”

Earlier this month, a lawyer filed two wrongful death lawsuits, alleging that the company continued to operate older aircraft without adequate maintenance beyond what was regularly scheduled. The lawsuit also names General Electric, the manufacturer of the plane’s engine. Both UPS and GE have declined to comment on pending litigation but emphasized that safety remains their top priority as they cooperate with federal investigations. Notably, this litigation does not include Colina.

In the coming weeks, local businesses and over 90 individuals affected by the crash, including Colina, plan to file another lawsuit, according to attorney Masten Childers III, whose firm represents these plaintiffs.

“Alain fought hard,” Childers stated. “Alain’s passing must be honored by holding those responsible for his death accountable.”

The Federal Aviation Administration has grounded all MD-11s, the type of aircraft involved in the crash, which have been exclusively used for cargo transport for over a decade.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.