UPDATE: A 15th victim has tragically succumbed to injuries from the November 4 UPS plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky. Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed on Christmas night that Alain Rodriguez Colina, age 50, died after weeks of battling severe injuries.
Colina, an employee at Grade A Recycling, passed away on December 25, marking another sorrowful chapter in a devastating incident that has left the community in shock. The cargo jet crash, which occurred near Muhammad Ali International Airport, initially claimed the lives of 14 individuals at the Grade Lane facility, including four employees and eight customers.
According to Sean Garber, CEO of Grade A Recycling, Colina’s passing was unexpected. “We were getting positive reports about his recovery,” Garber stated. “It did come as a surprise.” Colina, a Cuban immigrant who arrived in Louisville with his family, began working at Grade A in March 2023 and quickly rose to the position of commodities buyer.
Garber shared the emotional weight of the news, revealing that Colina’s family, especially his 20-year-old nephew, are devastated that Christmas will now be forever linked to this tragedy. “That day, November 4, is etched in all of us. Now Christmas Day joins November 4,” Garber lamented.
Colina suffered severe burns from the fire but was initially able to escape the building. Garber emphasized the profound sadness felt by the company and the community, stating, “It is difficult to think their lives were cut short, which was an avoidable tragedy.”
An NTSB report noted that 23 people on the ground were injured during the crash. Garber confirmed he is unaware of any other victims still in hospitals. A spokesperson for University of Louisville Health stated that since November 6, they have not been authorized to release information on hospitalized victims due to family requests.
In remembrance, 11 wreaths now adorn a temporary fence outside the Grade A facility, honoring those who lost their lives. “Everyone of us was hoping we wouldn’t have had to add a 12th,” Garber reflected.
Grade A Recycling has established a fund to support the families of the victims and is calling for justice and accountability for those affected by the crash. As the community mourns, the focus turns to the ongoing investigations and what steps will be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.
This devastating update underscores the urgent need for safety measures and accountability in the wake of such catastrophic events.
