Key Takeaways:
- A Cuban immigrant, Alain Rodriguez Colina, died on Christmas Day from severe burns suffered in the UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, raising the death toll to 15.
- Colina was a metal buyer at a local scrapyard and had built a new life in the United States, embracing the company’s culture and becoming a University of Kentucky fan.
- The crash occurred on November 4 when the plane’s left engine detached during takeoff, and cracks were later found where the engine connected to the wing.
- Two wrongful death lawsuits have been filed, alleging that UPS kept flying older aircraft without increasing maintenance, and another lawsuit is planned to be filed in the coming weeks on behalf of local businesses and over 90 people affected by the crash.
- The Federal Aviation Administration has grounded all MD-11s, the type of plane involved in the crash, which have been used only for hauling cargo for over a decade.
Introduction to the Tragedy
The city of Louisville, Kentucky, is still reeling from the aftermath of a devastating plane crash that occurred on November 4. The crash, which involved a UPS cargo plane, resulted in the loss of 15 lives, including that of Alain Rodriguez Colina, a Cuban immigrant who had built a new life in the United States. Colina, who worked as a metal buyer at a local scrapyard, died on Christmas Day from severe burns suffered in the crash. The news of his passing was confirmed by Governor Andy Beshear and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg via social media, with the mayor stating, "May Alain’s memory be a blessing."
The Crash and Its Aftermath
The plane, which was fully loaded with fuel for a flight to Hawaii, crashed into businesses near the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, exploding in a massive fireball. The crash occurred when the plane’s left engine detached during takeoff, and cracks were later found where the engine connected to the wing. The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the cause of the crash. Colina, who was on the ground at the time of the crash, suffered severe burns over 50% of his body and was placed in an induced coma. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, Colina never regained consciousness and passed away on Christmas Day.
A Life Cut Short
Colina had worked at Grade A Auto Parts & Recycling since 2023 and had quickly risen through the ranks to become a metal buyer. According to the company’s owner and CEO, Sean Garber, Colina was a hardworking and dedicated employee who had embraced the company’s culture and had become a valued member of the team. Colina had also become a fan of the University of Kentucky and had a daughter in Cuba. His mother and siblings lived in the area, and he was a beloved member of the community. Garber described Colina as a good man with a big heart who cared deeply about his family, customers, and the business.
Investigation and Litigation
The crash has led to a number of lawsuits, including two wrongful death lawsuits that have been filed against UPS and General Electric, the manufacturer of the plane’s engine. The lawsuits allege that UPS kept flying older aircraft without increasing maintenance beyond what is regularly scheduled. Another lawsuit is planned to be filed in the coming weeks on behalf of local businesses and over 90 people affected by the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration has grounded all MD-11s, the type of plane involved in the crash, which have been used only for hauling cargo for over a decade. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and it is likely that more information will come to light in the coming weeks and months.
Remembering Alain Rodriguez Colina
Colina’s passing has been met with an outpouring of support from the community, with many paying tribute to his memory. Attorney Masten Childers III, who is representing some of the plaintiffs in the upcoming lawsuit, stated, "Alain fought hard. Alain’s passing must be honored by holding those responsible for his death accountable." Colina’s death is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of the plane crash, and his memory will live on through the lives of those who knew him. As the community continues to come to terms with the loss of life, it is clear that Colina’s legacy will not be forgotten.