Torre Gêmeas 11 de setembro – Foto: Anthony Correia/Shutterstock.com
Nearly 24 years after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that shook the world, New York City announced the identification of three more victims of the World Trade Center, bringing relief to families awaiting answers. Ryan Fitzgerald, a 26-year-old working on the 94th floor of the South Tower, Barbara Keating, a 72-year-old passenger on the flight that struck the towers, and a woman whose identity was withheld at her family’s request were confirmed through advancements in DNA analysis. The discovery, made by New York’s Chief Medical Examiner’s Office, reflects the ongoing commitment to identifying the 2,753 people killed in the attack, of whom about 40% remain unidentified. This milestone, achieved with cutting-edge genetic sequencing technology, underscores the authorities’ persistence in providing answers to families, even decades later.
The identification was made possible through tests on remains recovered between 2001 and 2002, despite challenges posed by the degradation of genetic material over time. Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the emotional significance of these findings, while Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jason Graham reaffirmed the dedication to continue the work.
- New technologies: Advanced genetic sequencing enabled DNA extraction from degraded samples.
- Ongoing commitment: Authorities pledge to continue identifications until all victims are recognized.
- Family impact: The identifications provide partial closure for families waiting nearly 24 years.
Advances in DNA technology
Identifying 9/11 victims is considered the most complex forensic operation in U.S. history. The process faces challenges such as the deterioration of bone fragments and tissues, exposed to extreme conditions during the Twin Towers’ collapse. Even so, the adoption of next-generation genetic sequencing technologies has revolutionized the work. These tools, more sensitive and faster than traditional methods, allow analysis of samples previously deemed unusable.
New York’s Chief Medical Examiner’s Office uses techniques that involve pulverizing bone fragments to extract DNA, which is then compared with reference samples provided by families. In 2025, these innovations enabled the identification of Ryan Fitzgerald from remains found in 2002, while Barbara Keating and the other victim were confirmed from material collected in 2001. Dr. Jason Graham emphasized that the commitment to families remains as strong as in 2001, with ongoing efforts to analyze about 10,000 unidentified bone fragments.
- Forensic challenges: Fragments degraded by heat and time complicate DNA extraction.
- Technological innovations: Advanced genetic sequencing overcomes limitations of older methods.
- Family collaboration: DNA samples from relatives are crucial for identifications.
Stories of the identified victims
Ryan Fitzgerald, 26, was a stockbroker working on the 94th floor of the South Tower when United Airlines Flight 175 struck the building at 9:03 a.m. on September 11, 2001. A native of Floral Park, New York, he was one of the 2,753 victims of the World Trade Center attack. His identification brought bittersweet relief to his family, who had awaited answers for over two decades.
Barbara Keating, 72, was aboard American Airlines Flight 11, which hit the North Tower at 8:46 a.m. She was returning home to Palm Springs, California, after visiting grandchildren on the East Coast. The third victim, a woman not publicly identified, was also recognized, but her family chose to maintain privacy. These personal stories highlight the human dimension of the identification work, connecting names to memories and providing a sense of closure.
Lasting impact of the attacks
The September 11 attacks not only claimed nearly 3,000 lives but also left deep marks on society. Beyond the immediate victims, thousands of first responders, firefighters, and civilians developed serious illnesses due to exposure to dust and toxins at Ground Zero. Reports indicate that over 2,000 first responders died from cancer and other related conditions, while 1,140 people who worked or lived in the area were diagnosed with cancer by 2013.
The collapse of the Twin Towers generated a cloud of dust containing asbestos, lead, and other toxic materials, impacting the health of many who lacked proper respiratory protection. Cases like Felicia Dunn-Jones, who died in 2002 from dust exposure, and Leon Heyward, a victim of lymphoma in 2008, were officially recognized as homicides linked to 9/11. These figures underscore the ongoing tragedy and the importance of programs like the Victim Compensation Fund, which has processed thousands of claims.
- Related illnesses: Cancer and lung issues affected thousands of responders and civilians.
- Compensation fund: Over 5,560 claims were addressed by 2011.
- Air toxins: Asbestos and lead contributed to deaths years after the attacks.
- Ongoing tributes: Annual ceremonies keep the victims’ memory alive.
Continued identification efforts
The identification of 9/11 victims is an ongoing process, with sporadic but significant progress. In 2023, two victims were identified, and before that, in 2021, two others, including Dorothy Morgan. Since 2001, about 22,000 human fragments have been tested, some up to 15 times, in an effort to connect remains to victims. Despite advancements, 1,100 victims—roughly 40% of the total—still await identification, a challenge that persists due to the complexity of the samples.
New York’s forensic authorities use a meticulous approach, revisiting fragments regularly with new technologies. The process involves collaboration with families, who provide DNA samples from personal items, such as toothbrushes, or from direct relatives. This effort reflects a long-term commitment to justice and memory, ensuring no victim is forgotten.
Legacy and memorials
The memory of September 11 is preserved in New York through the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, located where the Twin Towers once stood. The memorial, with two large water pools and the victims’ names engraved, serves as a gathering point for annual tributes. In 2025, the reading of the 2,753 World Trade Center victims’ names remains a central moment in ceremonies, uniting families and survivors.
Additionally, the reconstruction of the site, with the One World Trade Center and other buildings, symbolizes the city’s resilience. The identification of victims, even decades later, reinforces the importance of keeping the history of September 11 alive, as new generations learn about the impact of that day.
- National memorial: Water pools and engraved names honor the victims.
- Reconstruction: One World Trade Center is among the tallest skyscrapers in America.
- Annual ceremonies: Name readings keep the memory alive in Manhattan.
- Education: Museums and memorials teach about the impact of 9/11.
