LOUISVILLE, KY —

In a devastating turn of events that has shaken both the aviation world and the college football community, authorities have confirmed that the UPS MD-11 cargo plane which crashed near a truck stop in Louisville, Kentucky, has left multiple casualties — including the mother of Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning.

The tragic crash occurred late Friday night, when the massive cargo aircraft went down just minutes before it was scheduled to land at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, UPS’s global air hub. Witnesses described the horrific scene as the plane erupted into flames, scattering debris across the nearby highway and engulfing several vehicles parked at the truck stop.

At least 11 people were injured, according to emergency officials, while several others remain unaccounted for as rescue teams continued to sift through the wreckage into the early hours of Saturday morning.

A NIGHTMARE IN THE SKY

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the plane — a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, one of UPS’s long-haul cargo jets — was carrying a small number of passengers in addition to crew.

Flight data shows that the aircraft had departed from New Orleans, bound for Louisville on a routine overnight delivery route. Around 10:47 p.m., just miles from the airport, air traffic controllers received a distress call reporting severe mechanical failure.

Moments later, the aircraft lost altitude rapidly and struck the ground near a busy truck stop off Interstate 65. Witnesses described hearing “a deafening explosion” followed by a wave of heat and fire.

“It was like the sky just lit up orange,” said James Whitaker, a long-haul driver who was parked less than 200 yards from the site. “The ground shook — and then you saw the flames just roaring up.”

Fire crews from multiple departments rushed to the scene, battling the inferno for over four hours before bringing it under control around 3 a.m.

ARCH MANNING’S FAMILY IN MOURNING

Among those confirmed on board was Mrs. Olivia Manning, mother of Arch Manning, the rising star quarterback of the Texas Longhorns and a member of one of football’s most iconic families.

According to sources close to the family, she had been traveling to Austin, Texas after visiting relatives in New Orleans and was scheduled to stop in Louisville before connecting onward.

The Manning family, already known for their deep football legacy — with Peyton and Eli Manning as uncles and legendary quarterback Archie Manning as grandfather — has been left in profound grief.

The University of Texas released a statement early Saturday morning expressing condolences on behalf of the entire Longhorns community:

“Our hearts are with Arch and the entire Manning family during this unimaginable tragedy. Arch has been a pillar of leadership and strength within our program, and right now, our entire Texas family stands with him in love and prayer.”

Coach Steve Sarkisian also offered his support, saying:

“This is more than football. It’s family. We’ll rally around Arch like he’s always done for his teammates. We’ll carry him through this.”

A COMMUNITY UNITED IN GRIEF

By dawn, flowers, letters, and candles began appearing outside the Texas Longhorns football facility in Austin. Fans and students gathered in silence, many wearing burnt-orange jerseys bearing the number 16, Manning’s number on the field.

One fan, Caroline Jacobs, said through tears,

“He’s such a good kid — always humble, always respectful. No one deserves to go through this. We just want him to know the whole Longhorn Nation loves him.”

Across social media, players from both college and professional teams expressed solidarity.

• Patrick Mahomes, quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, tweeted:

  “Prayers up for Arch and his family. Can’t imagine the pain right now. Stay strong, brother.”

• Peyton Manning, Arch’s uncle, released a brief statement through his representatives, thanking fans for their outpouring of love while requesting privacy for the family.

“The support means the world. We’re heartbroken beyond words.”

THE SCENE OF DESTRUCTION

As daylight broke, the extent of the devastation became clearer. Twisted metal, scorched shipping containers, and the remnants of the plane’s fuselage were strewn across a half-mile radius.

Kentucky State Police and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have since launched a full-scale investigation, with early reports suggesting that an engine failure combined with hydraulic system loss may have led to the crash.

Louisville Fire Chief Daniel Ford described the rescue efforts as “one of the most difficult operations” his team has faced in recent memory.

“Between the fire, debris, and hazardous materials, it was chaos,” he said. “But our crews fought through the night — our priority was saving whoever we could.”

Emergency responders confirmed that several survivors were rescued from the truck stop area, though at least two truck drivers remain missing.

UPS AND FAA RESPOND

In a statement released Saturday morning, UPS Airlines expressed “deep sorrow” over the crash and vowed to fully cooperate with federal investigators.

“We are devastated by the loss of life and the injuries sustained in this tragic event. Our hearts go out to the families affected. Safety is our highest priority, and we are working closely with authorities to determine the cause.”

The FAA and NTSB are expected to release preliminary findings within the next 10 days, though full investigations could take months.

Aviation analysts have long raised concerns about the aging fleet of MD-11 cargo aircraft, noting their challenging landing characteristics and history of mechanical issues.

“The MD-11 has a reputation for being a handful, especially during approach and landing,” said Captain Thomas Callahan, a retired cargo pilot. “One wrong angle, one malfunction, and things can turn catastrophic fast.”

A NATION MOURNS

The tragedy has rippled far beyond Louisville. The story has become a national headline — not only for its scale, but because of its human connection to one of the most recognizable names in American sports.

At Ohio Stadium, where the Buckeyes were preparing for their upcoming game, a moment of silence was held during practice after news of the crash spread.

Alabama coach Nick Saban, who once recruited Arch Manning, also offered condolences, saying,

“Football fades in moments like this. What matters is faith, family, and community. We’re praying for peace for the Mannings.”

A LEGACY OF LOVE AND FAITH

Those who knew Olivia Manning described her as “the heart of the family” — a woman who valued humility, faith, and kindness above all.

“She was always in the stands,” recalled one Texas staffer. “Win or lose, she’d be smiling, waving that Longhorns flag. You could see how proud she was of Arch — not for what he did, but for who he is.”

Her passing marks a devastating chapter for the Manning family, one defined not by fame, but by unity in tragedy.

As night fell on Austin, a candlelight vigil was held on the university campus. Hundreds of students gathered, holding signs that read “Longhorn Strong” and “We Stand With Arch.”

THE FINAL WORD

As the investigation continues and the community grieves, one truth has become clear: the pain from this tragedy extends far beyond Louisville’s borders. It has touched families, fans, and players across the nation — reminding everyone that even in a sport built on strength, the heart remains fragile.

In the words of one mourner outside the Longhorns stadium:

“The scoreboard doesn’t matter right now. What matters is love, faith, and standing together.”

For Arch Manning, the road ahead will be filled with sorrow, but he will not walk it alone. Because in Texas, in football, and across America — family is forever. ❤️🏈

In memory of all those lost in the Louisville UPS crash. May their souls rest in peace.