Identification of 9/11 Victims Announced Nearly 24 Years Later

Nearly 24 years after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, New York City officials have announced the identification of three victims from the terrorist attacks. The long wait for this information has raised some questions about the delay.

On Thursday, it was confirmed that the remains of Ryan Fitzgerald, a Floral Park resident, and Barbara Keating from Palm Springs, California, had been positively identified. Additionally, an adult woman’s remains were identified, though her family has chosen not to disclose her name publicly.

Officials stated that the Office of Chief Medical Examiner utilized advanced DNA testing and reached out to families to facilitate these identifications. Fitzgerald, Keating, and the unnamed woman are recognized as the 1,651st, 1,652nd, and 1,653rd victims of the attacks to be officially identified.

In a report from Newsday, it was noted that Fitzgerald, who was just 26, worked as a currency trader at Fiduciary Trust International within the South Tower. After the North Tower was struck, he had contacted his family to reassure them of his safety and that he would be leaving his office shortly. Tragically, just 17 minutes later, United Airlines Flight 175 hit the South Tower, preventing many, including Fitzgerald, from evacuating in time.

Barbara Keating, 72, was remembered as a vibrant grandmother who was active in her community. Friends described her as independent and compassionate. She had been visiting family in Boston and was on Flight 11 returning home to California when the attacks occurred.

The medical examiner confirmed that Fitzgerald was identified based on remains recovered in 2002, while Keating and the third unnamed victim were linked to remains found in 2011.

In response to the identifications, New York Mayor Eric Adams shared a statement expressing sympathy for the families still grappling with loss. He emphasized the ongoing commitment of the city to supporting those affected by the tragedy.

“The pain of losing a loved one in the September 11th terror attacks echoes across the decades, but with these three new identifications, we take a step forward in comforting the family members still aching from that day,” he said. “We hope the families receiving answers from the Office of Chief Medical Examiner can take solace in the city’s tireless dedication to this mission.”

Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jason Graham reiterated the commitment to identify all victims from 9/11, regardless of how long it takes. He also remarked on the importance of science and family outreach in making these identifications possible.

“Each new identification testifies to the promise of science and sustained outreach to families despite the passage of time,” he stated. “We continue this work as our way of honoring the lost.”

As of now, around 1,100 victims, which is approximately 40% of those who died that day, remain officially unidentified.