Lastest 9/11 victims confirmed.
The death toll from 9/11 may never change, but the names attached to it still can — and this week, three more victims have finally been identified.
9/11 victim identification efforts highlighted.
The World Trade Center attacks killed 2,753 people, but more than 1,099 remain unidentified after nearly 24 years.
Immediately after 9/11, recovery teams faced unimaginable conditions at Ground Zero — debris, fires, and destruction made identification extremely difficult.
Early efforts relied on dental records, fingerprints, and visual IDs, but many remains were too damaged or fragmented.
DNA technology was in its infancy in 2001, limiting how quickly victims could be positively identified.
Over the years, forensic scientists have developed advanced DNA techniques to piece together tiny remains.
Families of victims have been repeatedly contacted to provide DNA reference samples, critical for matching remains.
This painstaking work requires cooperation, consent, and often reopening painful wounds for those waiting decades for answers.
Some families choose to keep their loved ones’ names private, as seen with the third victim identified this week.
The OCME has identified 25 victims in recent years alone, thanks to this ongoing scientific and humanitarian effort.
Recent milestones and statements clarified.
Before this week’s announcement, John Ballantine Niven, 44, was the last victim identified, with confirmation coming in January 2024.
His remains had been recovered shortly after the attacks, but confirmation took over two decades.
New York City’s Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Jason Graham, emphasized the commitment to this mission.
“Our commitment to identify the missing and return them to their loved ones stands as strong as ever,” he said.
Mayor Eric Adams echoed those sentiments, acknowledging the lingering pain of 9/11 families.
“The pain of losing a loved one in the September 11th terror attacks echoes across the decades,” Adams stated.
“As a former law enforcement officer who served on 9/11, I understand the deep loss many families carry.”
Adams said the city hopes the new identifications bring “solace” to families still grieving.
The latest identifications revealed.
On Thursday, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) revealed two names and one mystery victim, marking the 1,651st, 1,652nd, and 1,653rd confirmed identities.
Ryan Fitzgerald, 26, from Floral Park, New York, was the first named.
Fitzgerald had recently moved into his own Manhattan apartment when 9/11 struck.
His remains were recovered in 2002 but only just matched to him with new DNA technology.
The second named victim was Barbara Keating, 72, from Palm Springs, California.
Keating was a two-time cancer survivor traveling on American Airlines Flight 11 from Boston to New York.
That flight was deliberately crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
All aboard the plane died instantly, along with hundreds in the tower.
The third victim’s name is being withheld by family request but was confirmed by OCME.
What comes next?
The OCME continues to work tirelessly, using every available technology to identify remains.
Hundreds of families still wait for closure, hoping their loved ones will one day be named.
The identification process is a blend of cutting-edge science and deeply personal grief.
Each new confirmed victim is a step forward in honoring those lost and comforting those left behind.
This week’s announcement adds two names to the public record — and one kept quietly in private — but the search is far from over.