Family of Louisville UPS plane crash burn victim 'holding onto hope'

Valarie Honeycutt Spears, Lexington Herald-Leader on Nov 6, 2025

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LEXINGTON, Ky. — A fundraiser for a man severely burned in this week’s UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, had raised more than $60,000 as of Thursday afternoon.

The man, Matt Sweets, had burns on more than 95% of his body, according to the fundraiser, organized by Fawn Armstrong, the sister of Sweets’ girlfriend, Brooke Murray.

The couple has two young children together, according to the GoFundMe. As of 1:30 p.m., it had raised $62,871.

“Matt was severely burned on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, when he was caught in the fireball aftermath of the UPS plane crash in Louisville,” the letter with the fundraiser reads. “He is currently in critical condition and faces a long road of recovery and rehabilitation. We are praying hard and holding on to every bit of hope God gives us.

“Matt is the sole provider for Brooke and their children. With him in the hospital for the foreseeable future, the family’s everyday needs like bills, groceries, and basic living expenses will add up quickly. The last thing they need is to worry about finances while they are fighting for Matt’s life and strength.”

Armstrong did not respond to a request for additional comment about the fundraiser.

UPS Flight 2976 crashed around 5:15 p.m. Tuesday during takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.

As of Thursday, 12 people were confirmed dead, including the three crew members on the plane, and nine people remain missing.

UofL Health officials said Wednesday the hospital had received 15 patients who were injured in the crash, and two remain in critical condition.

After being cleared for takeoff, a large fire ignited on the left wing during the takeoff roll, said Todd Inman, a board member with the National Transportation Safety Board.

The plane lifted off the ground and cleared the fence at the end of runway 17R before colliding with structures and terrain off airport property. The left engine detached during the takeoff roll and was found lying in the airfield.

Two businesses in the area were hit: Kentucky Petroleum Recycling Plant and Grade A Auto Parts.