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First Officer Lee Truitt (45)

Lee Truitt was a skilled pilot originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico. He had accumulated thousands of flight hours over his career, including extensive time flying the MD‑11. Before joining UPS, Lee gained valuable experience at SkyWest Airlines, where he built the expertise that would make him an indispensable member of UPS’s flight operations.

Beyond his aviation achievements, Lee was also known for his community involvement — including volunteer work with public radio — and for being someone who pursued excellence in everything he did. At just 45 years old, Lee was in the prime of his career and had a bright future ahead.

Friends and colleagues remember Lee as a committed professional who combined technical precision with a warm, compassionate personality — one that lent itself to teamwork, mentorship, and deep human connection. His loss is mourned not just in the skies but in the many lives he touched along the way.

Captain Dana Diamond (62)

Dana Diamond’s career spanned more than 37 years with UPS, making him one of the most experienced pilots in the company’s history. He held the No. 1 seniority position on the MD‑11 fleet and was ranked among the top five pilots across all aircraft types at UPS. His leadership, professionalism, and dedication to safety made him a guiding figure for younger pilots and a respected voice within the industry.

Before becoming a UPS pilot, Dana was a certified flight instructor for both single‑ and multi‑engine aircraft — a role he took on in 1985 after earning his certifications. He also served as fire chief of the Rosansky 3‑N‑1 Volunteer Fire Department in Bastrop County, Texas, showing that his commitment to safety and service extended far beyond aviation.

Additionally, Dana served as vice chairman of the Independent Pilots Association’s Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Committee from 2012 to 2017, helping to educate and protect aviation personnel on emergency response and safety protocols.

At home, Dana was beloved by his family — especially his wife and children — and known for his devotion to those he loved most. His commitment to both career and family made him a role model in every sphere of his life.

A Tragedy That Reverberated Beyond the Cockpit

The loss of these three pilots is not merely a statistic — it represents the loss of fathers, husbands, mentors, and friends whose lives were woven into the fabric of their communities. Their deaths, along with the 12 others on the ground, made the Flight 2976 crash the deadliest in UPS’s history and one of the most devastating aviation tragedies of the year.

Despite the sorrow, many who knew them have spoken about the pilots’ strength of character, their passion for aviation, and the profound respect they earned from all who crossed their paths. In public remembrances and private mourning, their names — Richard, Lee, and Dana — continue to be spoken with reverence and affection.

Remembering Their Impact