Albuquerque, New Mexico — The aviation community and the city of Albuquerque are mourning the devastating loss of First Officer Lee Truitt, one of the three UPS crew members who tragically lost their lives in the UPS Flight 2976 crash in Louisville, Kentucky, on Tuesday.
According to UPS, Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Captain Dana Diamond were operating the cargo flight when disaster struck. The crash claimed the lives of twelve people, including a child and the three dedicated UPS crew members onboard.
Lee Truitt, a respected and experienced pilot from Albuquerque, was known for his professionalism, calm demeanor, and unwavering commitment to aviation safety. Former colleagues at Bode Aviation, where Truitt once worked, described him as a man who loved flying from the moment he first took the controls — someone whose passion for the skies was matched only by his kindness and humility on the ground.
“Lee was the type of person who made you feel safe and confident, whether you were flying beside him or just talking about life,” one former co-worker shared. “He cared deeply about people — he was steady, capable, and always smiling. This is a tremendous loss.”
The tragic crash occurred shortly after takeoff in Louisville. According to NTSB member Todd Inman, the aircraft had been cleared for takeoff when “a large fire developed in the left wing, and an engine fell off.” The sequence unfolded rapidly, giving the crew little time to respond before the aircraft went down near a truck stop, sending shockwaves through the surrounding area.
Witnesses described the aftermath as “a wall of fire,” and first responders worked through the night to contain the blaze and recover survivors. The loss of life — including innocent bystanders and the crew members onboard — has left both the local community and UPS employees around the world heartbroken.
UPS issued a statement honoring the memory of the fallen pilots:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and Captain Dana Diamond. Their professionalism and dedication to serving others represent the very best of our company and our industry.”
For those who knew Lee Truitt, his death is more than a headline — it’s a deeply personal loss. Friends remember him as a devoted husband, a caring father, and a loyal friend who always put others first. His colleagues at Bode Aviation and UPS recall countless hours in the cockpit, where his steady hand and good humor made even the most challenging days easier.
Lee’s love for aviation was lifelong. From his early days in Albuquerque, he pursued the dream of flight with determination, eventually earning his place among the skilled pilots who deliver goods — and hope — to communities around the globe. His professionalism, humility, and love of life left an indelible mark on everyone he met.
As investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and local authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the crash, UPS has pledged its full cooperation and support. In the meantime, tributes continue to pour in from across the aviation world, reflecting the impact Lee Truitt and his fellow crewmates made on countless lives.
🕊️ In loving memory of First Officer Lee Truitt — a beloved pilot, colleague, and friend whose life was dedicated to flight, service, and family. His courage in the skies and kindness on the ground will never be forgotten.
💛 Our hearts go out to the families of all twelve victims — especially the crew members of UPS Flight 2976 — as well as the Louisville community forever changed by this tragedy. May their memories continue to soar beyond the clouds.