A devastating plane crash near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport claimed four lives and left 11 others injured on Tuesday evening, prompting an outpouring of grief across Kentucky. Among those mourning was Cleveland Cavaliers star and Louisville native Donovan Mitchell , who took to social media to express his sorrow. The 29-year-old guard, who has deep ties to the city where he played college basketball, reacted with disbelief to the tragedy that struck his hometown.
The crash involved a UPS cargo plane that went down shortly after takeoff, sending a massive fireball and thick smoke into the air. Emergency crews rushed to contain the flames as officials urged residents to shelter in place within a one-mile radius of the airport. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighter had been bound for Honolulu, loaded with more than 200,000 pounds of jet fuel.
Donovan Mitchell mourns victims of Louisville plane crash
Donovan Mitchell, known for his connection to Louisville long after leaving the University of Louisville for the NBA, shared his condolences on X, writing, “Man this is crazy!! Praying for the victims and their families 🙏🏾🙏🏾.” His message echoed the heartbreak felt by many in the community as details of the crash emerged.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed during a press briefing that four people were killed and 11 injured, with several victims suffering “very significant” burns. Two nearby businesses — Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts — were directly hit by the aircraft. Officials reported that two employees from the auto parts store remain unaccounted for.
The governor called it a “catastrophic crash,” adding that while fires were still burning late into the night, emergency responders had made “some headway.” Fortunately, no hazardous materials were ignited despite the large volume of jet fuel aboard. Authorities said the cause of the crash remains under investigation by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg described the incident as “an incredible tragedy that our community will never forget,” while officials confirmed the airport would remain closed until further notice.
Mitchell’s heartfelt message resonated among fans and Louisville residents, many of whom still see him as one of their own.
Also Read: What happened to Zion Williamson? Pelicans star forward receives heartbreaking injury update
The crash involved a UPS cargo plane that went down shortly after takeoff, sending a massive fireball and thick smoke into the air. Emergency crews rushed to contain the flames as officials urged residents to shelter in place within a one-mile radius of the airport. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighter had been bound for Honolulu, loaded with more than 200,000 pounds of jet fuel.
Donovan Mitchell mourns victims of Louisville plane crash
Donovan Mitchell, known for his connection to Louisville long after leaving the University of Louisville for the NBA, shared his condolences on X, writing, “Man this is crazy!! Praying for the victims and their families 🙏🏾🙏🏾.” His message echoed the heartbreak felt by many in the community as details of the crash emerged.
Man this is crazy!! Praying for the victims and their families 🙏🏾🙏🏾 https://t.co/Rz2n1v53pB
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) November 5, 2025
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed during a press briefing that four people were killed and 11 injured, with several victims suffering “very significant” burns. Two nearby businesses — Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts — were directly hit by the aircraft. Officials reported that two employees from the auto parts store remain unaccounted for.
The governor called it a “catastrophic crash,” adding that while fires were still burning late into the night, emergency responders had made “some headway.” Fortunately, no hazardous materials were ignited despite the large volume of jet fuel aboard. Authorities said the cause of the crash remains under investigation by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg described the incident as “an incredible tragedy that our community will never forget,” while officials confirmed the airport would remain closed until further notice.
Mitchell’s heartfelt message resonated among fans and Louisville residents, many of whom still see him as one of their own.
Also Read: What happened to Zion Williamson? Pelicans star forward receives heartbreaking injury update
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