A woman who died during the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City has been identified nearly 25 years later, as investigators, for the first time, used forensic investigative genetic genealogy to do so.
Without sharing the woman’s name at the request of her family, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Office and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner announced the development in a news release this week.
The woman is the first to be identified using forensic investigative genetic genealogy and the 1,654th victim to be identified since the attacks, the offices said.
The medical examiner’s office worked with the New York City Police Department to identify the woman, who was one of 2,753 people killed when two hijacked
planes flew into New York City’s Twin Towers on 9/11. This year marks the 25th anniversary of that day.
Here’s how the woman’s remains were identified, and more on the rest of the victims who have yet to be named.
Woman who died in 9/11 attacks was identified using new combination of techniques
To identify the woman, investigators used the medical examiner's forensic techniques and paired them with the New York Police Department’s skills in forensic investigative genetic genealogy.
Investigators used DNA technology and genealogical investigative techniques to develop leads, then confirm the woman’s identity.
Investigators have also been able to use methods such as family outreach, DNA reference samples and retesting to connect remains to victims who have already been identified.
How many 9/11 victims are still unidentified?
Investigators have recently connected remains to three previously identified victims, the release said. Still, about 40% of those who died that day are still unidentified, which is about 1,099 victims.
“A quarter century after the day that forever changed our world, we are keeping the promise to identify those who died at the World Trade Center in 2001 and return them to their loved ones,” said Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Graham in the news release.
Mamdani noted the upcoming 25th anniversary of the attacks and the importance of remembering those who lost their lives.
“We honor the nearly 3,000 people whose lives were stolen that day, and we remain committed to the families who have spent 25 years waiting for answers,” he said.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s trending team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 9/11 victim ID'd using new forensic technique, Mamdani says
