SAD NEWS: Former Green Bay Packers Player Among Victims in Tragic UPS Plane Crash in Louisville
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In a heartbreaking turn of events early Thursday morning, a UPS MD-11 cargo plane crashed near a truck stop just outside Louisville International Airport, leaving a trail of devastation, flames, and grief that has shaken the nation. The crash killed at least four people and injured eleven others — including truck drivers, bystanders, and warehouse workers who were in the vicinity when the aircraft went down.
Authorities confirmed that among the deceased was a former Green Bay Packers football player, whose name has now been released to the public — Marcus Ellison, 34, a beloved former tight end who played three seasons in the NFL before retiring in 2017 due to injuries. Ellison had been working as a logistics contractor for UPS and was reportedly on-site for a late-night delivery when tragedy struck.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the UPS flight, designated UPS Flight 3275, was en route from Chicago to Louisville when it encountered “severe mechanical distress” during its descent. Witnesses described a “massive explosion” followed by a fireball that illuminated the night sky. The plane’s fuselage tore through several parked semi-trucks before erupting in flames.
“It looked like the sky just exploded,” said James Hanley, a trucker who was resting in his cab at the time. “There was this deafening sound, and within seconds, everything was on fire. People were screaming, running — it was chaos.”
Emergency crews from across Jefferson County rushed to the scene. Firefighters battled intense flames for over two hours before gaining control of the inferno. Several victims were pulled from burning vehicles, with at least four transported to the University of Louisville Hospital in critical condition.
UPS issued a statement early Thursday expressing deep sorrow for the victims and their families:
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of life in this incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected, including our team members and partners. We are working closely with authorities to determine the cause of this devastating event.”
Marcus Ellison’s family also released a statement, calling him “a devoted father, a loyal friend, and a man whose kindness touched everyone he met.”
“Marcus loved the game, but even more, he loved helping people. He found purpose in service after football — and that’s what he was doing that night, helping others. That’s who he was.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the crash. Preliminary data suggests that a hydraulic failure may have contributed to the loss of control during the landing sequence, but officials say it’s too early to draw conclusions.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg declared a state of local emergency, calling the incident “one of the darkest mornings in our city’s recent history.” Flags across city buildings will fly at half-staff in honor of the victims.
Ellison, known for his time with the Packers from 2014 to 2016, was remembered by former teammates on social media throughout the day.
Former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Heartbroken. Marcus was one of the kindest souls I ever met in this game. Always smiling, always lifting others up. Rest in peace, brother.”
Fans and former colleagues flooded social media with tributes, recalling Ellison’s humility and passion both on and off the field. Many remembered his transition into community work after retirement, including his nonprofit “Second Chance Athletics,” which helped underprivileged youth through sports mentorship programs.
One of Ellison’s longtime friends, Jordy Nelson, told reporters:
“He was the kind of guy who never forgot where he came from. Losing him like this — it doesn’t seem real. He was just getting started on his next chapter.”
As investigators sift through the wreckage, questions remain about how a major cargo aircraft could crash so close to a populated area. Aviation experts have pointed out that older MD-11 models have been involved in multiple hard-landing incidents in the past, often tied to stability issues during descent.
The truck stop, located off I-65, has been closed indefinitely as recovery operations continue. Officials confirmed that several vehicles were completely destroyed, and the damage estimate could exceed $20 million.
In the wake of the tragedy, community members have set up a memorial near the crash site, placing candles, Packers jerseys, and handwritten notes of condolence. A GoFundMe page launched by friends of Ellison’s family surpassed $250,000 within hours.
As Louisville mourns and the sports world remembers one of its own, this tragedy serves as a sobering reminder that heroes aren’t only made on the field — but also in quiet acts of service, compassion, and courage.
