A Cuban immigrant who had forged a new life for himself in Kentucky has succumbed to injuries sustained in last month's catastrophic UPS cargo plane crash, officials confirmed. Alain Rodriguez Colina's death on Christmas Day raises the official death toll from the November 4th disaster to 15 people.
A Life Cut Short After a Devastating Crash
Colina was on the ground when the UPS McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighter, heavily laden with fuel for a flight to Hawaii, crashed into businesses shortly after takeoff from Louisville's Muhammad Ali International Airport. The impact triggered a massive explosion and fireball. Colina suffered burns covering more than 50% of his body.
He had been working at the nearby Grade A Auto Parts & Recycling scrapyard since 2023, where he had quickly advanced to the role of metal buyer. Owner and CEO Sean Garber described Colina as a man with a big heart who deeply cared about his company, customers, and family. "He believed in the opportunity he got in the United States and really made the most of it," Garber said in a statement. Colina had embraced life in Louisville, even becoming a fan of the University of Kentucky Wildcats.
Despite being placed in a medically induced coma and never regaining consciousness, Colina showed signs of healing for several weeks, giving his family and employer a mix of concern and hope. Tragically, his condition deteriorated on Thursday, leading to his death. His mother and siblings, who live in the area, visited him often. He also leaves behind a daughter in Cuba.
Investigation Points to Engine Failure
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation into the November 4th crash has revealed that the plane's left engine detached during takeoff. Subsequent inspections found cracks in the area where the engine was connected to the wing. The crash killed three pilots on board and multiple people on the ground.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has taken decisive action, grounding all MD-11 aircraft, which have been used exclusively for cargo transport for over a decade. Louisville's airport is home to the world's largest UPS package sorting hub.
Legal and Safety Repercussions Unfold
Earlier in December, wrongful death lawsuits were filed alleging that UPS continued to fly older aircraft without enhancing maintenance beyond regular schedules. The lawsuits also name General Electric, the manufacturer of the plane's engines. Both companies have stated they do not comment on pending litigation but emphasize that safety is their top priority as they cooperate with the federal investigation. These initial lawsuits did not include Colina.
Governor Andy Beshear and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed Colina's passing through social media. "May Alain's memory be a blessing," Mayor Greenberg wrote, marking a somber end to the holiday for a community still reeling from the devastating event.
