Louisville Mourns Loss of Grandfather and Granddaughter in Tragic UPS Plane Crash
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — The city of Louisville is reeling from the heartbreaking loss of Louisnes “Lou” Fedon and his young granddaughter Kimberly Asa, who tragically lost their lives when UPS Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo plane, crashed near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on November 4, 2025. The devastating accident has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of their loved ones and cast a shadow of grief across the community.
The crash occurred just after 5:45 a.m., moments before the aircraft was scheduled to land. Witnesses described hearing a thunderous explosion followed by a massive fireball that lit up the early morning sky. The UPS plane went down in an industrial area near Grade Lane and Fern Valley Road, not far from residential neighborhoods. Authorities confirmed that several nearby structures were destroyed or damaged as flames spread rapidly across the crash site.
Among those caught in the disaster were Louisnes “Lou” Fedon, 67, and his 9-year-old granddaughter Kimberly Asa, who were in the area that morning. Officials believe the two were traveling together in Lou’s pickup truck when debris from the falling aircraft struck the vehicle. Despite the rapid response from firefighters and paramedics, both Lou and Kimberly were pronounced deceased at the scene. Their passing has deeply affected the Louisville community, where they were known and loved by many.
Louisnes Fedon, affectionately called “Lou” by friends and family, was a lifelong Louisville resident and a retired mechanic known for his kindness, work ethic, and dedication to his family. A devoted father and grandfather, Lou often spent his mornings helping his daughter Shayna and son-in-law Sheldon, frequently driving Kimberly to school or weekend activities. To his neighbors, he was the friendly man who could fix anything and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Kimberly Asa, Lou’s bright and joyful granddaughter, was a fourth-grade student at Jefferson Elementary School. Described by teachers as cheerful, curious, and full of life, she loved drawing, reading adventure books, and spending time with her “Poppy Lou.” The bond between the two was inseparable—Lou’s truck was often seen parked at school pickup lines, with Kimberly smiling beside him.
The tragedy has left the Fedon family shattered. Lou’s daughter, Shayna, shared that her father and daughter were “the heart of our home,” adding that their loss feels “unimaginable.” Family friends have organized vigils and fundraisers to support the family during this painful time. A memorial of flowers, stuffed animals, and handwritten notes now stands near the crash site, where community members continue to gather to pay their respects.
UPS officials released a statement expressing condolences to the victims’ families and confirming that both flight crew members aboard Flight 2976 also lost their lives. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, examining flight data recorders recovered from the site. Preliminary reports suggest that the aircraft may have experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure shortly before descending.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg also addressed the tragedy, calling it “a day of deep sorrow for our city.” He commended first responders for their swift actions in containing the fire and assisting victims, and offered heartfelt sympathy to the Fedon family and others affected by the crash.
As the investigation continues, the city of Louisville stands united in mourning the loss of Louisnes “Lou” Fedon and Kimberly Asa — a grandfather and granddaughter whose love for each other touched everyone around them.
Their lives, tragically cut short, will forever be remembered through the warmth they brought to their family and community. In their passing, Louisville grieves not only for two cherished souls but also for the love story between generations that ended far too soon.
Memorial services for Lou and Kimberly are being planned for later this week, where family, friends, and neighbors will gather to celebrate their lives, share memories, and honor a bond that will never be forgotten.
