On September 11, it marks the 25th anniversary of the “9/11” terrorist attacks. A quarter of a century has passed, and the work at the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) is far from over. Over the past 25 years, forensic personnel have been tirelessly using DNA analysis and continually updating forensic techniques to identify the remains of those who perished at the World Trade Center, providing closure to more families of the victims.
Reported by CBC, in a laboratory in Manhattan, forensic scientists in white lab coats are diligently working to fulfill the promise made 25 years ago. They are extracting DNA from the thousands of human remains samples discovered after the “9/11” World Trade Center terrorist attacks and attempting to match these with samples provided by the families, such as toothbrushes, razors, and other items.
The scientific techniques used to extract DNA from the remains and the forensic investigative methods were not available back in 2001 when the disaster occurred. Out of the 2,753 individuals who perished at Ground Zero, approximately 40% (about 1,099 people) remain unidentified, including around 10 Canadians among the 24 Canadians who lost their lives.
In August of this year, New York City officials announced the confirmation of the identity of an adult female victim who was previously unknown. This marks the first time in New York City that the forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) technique has been used to confirm the identity of a 9/11 victim.
The name of this female victim has not been disclosed at the request of the family. She became the 1,654th victim of the World Trade Center to be formally identified. FIGG technology combines DNA testing with genetic genealogy. “I think this is a new frontier,” said Jason Graham, the Chief Medical Examiner of New York City. “We have indeed found a groundbreaking innovation, and I hope and believe it will open doors to confirming the identities of more victims.”
On September 11, 2001, two hijacked planes crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, causing the buildings to collapse. The massive fire, high temperatures, jet fuel, firefighting water, and chemicals in the buildings resulted in severe fragmentation and damage to the remains.
The New York City forensic team has recovered approximately 22,000 human body fragments from the World Trade Center site, some of which are very small bone fragments. This work has been described as one of the largest and most challenging forensic identification tasks in American history.
After 9/11, many families of the victims never got a proper chance to say goodbye. Some families still regularly inquire with the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office, hoping to find the remains of their missing loved ones.
Monica Iken-Murphy’s husband, Michael Iken, a bond trader, tragically perished when the South Tower collapsed. “I didn’t get the ring, nor did I get the ID. Others got their documents, some found papers with their names,” she said. But for her, it feels like “he went to work and then… disappeared. He left nothing behind.”
The forensic team states that even though 25 years have passed, this work will continue. In 2001, the then Chief Medical Examiner of New York City, Charles Hirsch, vowed to properly preserve and confirm the remains of all the victims, considering it his mission.