UPS Rings Fifteen Bells to Mark Anniversary of Flight 2976 Crash

Fifteen bells rang at the Okolona Fire Protection District on Wednesday morning to mark the first anniversary of the UPS plane crash. The private ceremony honored the 15 people killed in the accident. One bell sounded for each victim.

First responders, city officials, and state leaders gathered for the event. UPS executives joined the crowd to pay tribute to the crew. The group observed a moment of silence following the bell tolls. They also thanked the emergency personnel who responded to the scene on the day of the crash.

Bob Travis, president of the Independent Pilots Association, spoke about the three crew members who died. He named Captain Richard Wartenburg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Captain Diana Diamond. Travis described the final moments of their flight. "On that fateful day, my three friends and colleagues pushed up the throttles for takeoff, they had no way of knowing that within seconds they would face the impossible task of trying to fly the unflyable," Travis said. He added, "Knowing Richard, Dana and Lee, I have no doubt they never stopped flying the airplane and they never gave up."

The Louisville ceremony is part of a larger citywide effort to remember the day. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and city officials are hosting an evening observance. Institutions across Louisville, including churches, are asked to participate in the Louisville Remembers Together initiative.

Participants are encouraged to ring bells and carillons for one minute at 5:14 p.m. This time corresponds to the moment of the crash. The coordinated ringing will occur across the city as part of the annual memorial.