Finally Finding Comfort After 24 Years

A family affected by 9/11 has found some solace after 24 long years. The sisters, Ryan Fitzgerald’s siblings, expressed gratitude toward city workers who recently managed to identify him using tiny bone fragments.

“He was always one of the few people who believed in me,” said Elizabeth Parks, a Queens firefighter, reflecting on her brother’s support for her aspirations.

Fitzgerald’s remains were officially identified on August 7, evoking deep emotions in his parents and younger sisters who had held onto cherished memories of him. Caroline Parks, who was just 10 when the attacks occurred, noted how her parents seemed to find peace in bringing Ryan back to the family in a way.

Using advanced DNA technology, small bone fragments discovered on West Street and Liberty Avenue were matched to Fitzgerald. Elizabeth and Caroline provided DNA samples a few months prior, not fully grasping what might result from it.

Soon after, a medical inspector called their mother, Diane Parks, delivering news they’d been waiting for over two decades. Caroline recalled her mother’s shocked expression, almost ghost-like, when she hung up the phone.

“The 11th feels like just yesterday,” Elizabeth remarked, remembering how life felt halted since that fateful day. The family’s journey began when Fitzgerald, a foreign currency trader, showed up for his job at Trustee Trust International, located on the 97th floor of the South Tower. Elizabeth shared that he had recently been promoted, eager to make a good impression.

After the first plane hit the North Tower, Ryan called his mother to say he was okay and planned to leave the building. Based on where his remains were found, Elizabeth believes he was making his way down the stairs at that moment.

“I always thought he might not make it, so I wonder how far he got,” she reflected.

Ryan, who grew up in Queens and later moved to Floral Park, enjoyed sports, especially baseball, and was a big fan of the Yankees and star Derek Jeter. Caroline recalled being carried around by her towering brother, who was about six feet three. “He was truly laid-back, fun, and loving,” she said.

About eight months before his untimely death, Ryan moved to Manhattan, enjoying dinners out with his girlfriend, Dalci, at various restaurants. “He was genuinely kind and never elevated himself above anyone else,” Caroline said.

Even in his twenties, he maintained strong ties with his childhood friends, who still keep in touch with the family and honor his memory yearly.

As Elizabeth pursued her dream of becoming an FDNY firefighter, she drew strength from Ryan’s unwavering support. “He was my whole heart throughout that journey. I believe he’s proud of me, deep down,” she shared, noting that she became an FDNY EMT in 2010 before becoming a firefighter six years later.

In addition to her firefighting duties, she participates in a ceremonial unit that honors fallen firefighters, including those who suffered health issues related to 9/11.

Both sisters initially held hope that Ryan might still be alive. Caroline remembered how Darci, his girlfriend at the time, created a “missing” poster with his picture and her contact number.

“I understand it’s unlikely, but sometimes I daydreamed about him walking around the corner,” she admitted. “This identification brings me some closure.”

While they finally have Ryan’s remains back, Elizabeth stated that the emotional journey isn’t completely resolved. “We’re still navigating this puzzle of our lives,” Caroline added. Elizabeth voiced the complexity of feelings: “People say we should feel closure, but it’s not that simple. We have new questions, yet we feel a sense of peace knowing we can honor him.”

Over the years, Elizabeth hopes the story of their 24-year struggle resonates with other families impacted by 9/11. “Never lose hope, even if it feels overwhelming,” she encouraged, reflecting on the ongoing process of identification for many victims. Ryan’s identification marks a critical point, but almost 1,100 victims remain unnamed.

“Whenever we reminisce about Ryan, I wonder how Mom and Dad feel about those memories—happy or still searching for answers,” Elizabeth reflected. “Even if you think you’ve lost hope, hold on.”