NATIONAL NEWS

Two new 9/11 victims identified, the first identifications in two years

Sep 11, 2023, 6:00 AM | Updated: 6:06 am

9/11 Memorial Lights...

Over two decades after the devastating attacks on the World Trade Center, two more victims of 9/11 have been identified. ( Credit: Ed Jones/AFP/Getty Images)

( Credit: Ed Jones/AFP/Getty Images)

(CNN) — New York City officials have identified two more victims of the September 11 terror attacks on the World Trade Center, just days before the 22nd memorial anniversary of the attacks.

The man and woman identified are the 1,648th and 1,649th victims identified by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, according to a news release from the mayor’s office. The two were identified through advanced DNA testing of their remains, says the release.

The mayor’s office said that they were withholding the names of the two new victims at the request of their families. These are the first identifications since September 2021, according to the release.

The man was identified through DNA testing of remains recovered in 2001 and the woman through DNA testing of remains recovered in 2001, 2006, and 2013, says the release.

The techniques used to make these identifications over two decades later “include recently adopted next-generation sequencing technology — more sensitive and rapid than conventional DNA techniques — which has been used by the U.S. military to identify the remains of missing American servicemembers,” says the news release.

Despite these advancements in DNA technology, roughly 40% of the victims, or about 1,100 people thought to have died in the disaster, remain unidentified. A total of 2,753 people were reported missing in lower Manhattan after the attacks on the World Trade Center. Death certificates were issued for all 2,753, although the work to match the names of victims with remains from the site continues.

In the news release, chief medical examiner Jason Graham called the ongoing effort “the largest and most complex forensic investigation in the history of our country.”

“These two new identifications continue to fulfill a solemn pledge that OCME made to return the remains of World Trade Center victims to their loved ones,” he went on.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams noted in the announcement the victims’ families who continue to grieve.

“As we prepare to mark the anniversary of September 11, our thoughts turn to those we lost on that terrible morning and their families who continue to live every day with the pain of missing loved ones,” he said.

“We hope these new identifications can bring some measure of comfort to the families of these victims, and the ongoing efforts by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner attest to the city’s unwavering commitment to reunite all the World Trade Center victims with their loved ones.”

Related: The story behind the 9/11 National Day of Service

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

National News

This photo provided by Bud Light shows Bud Light's 2025 Super Bowl NFL football spot.  ( Bud Light ...

Mariah Maynes

Super Bowl commercials rely on comedy and nostalgia to avoid potential missteps

Most of the commercials airing during this year's Super Bowl are going for laughs, with advertisers betting that America could use a little break.

3 days ago

Kansas City Chiefs fan Rose Loftus, 9, from Dallas, ties her hair while wearing a Taylor Swift frie...

DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

Taylor Swift makes her Super Bowl return to watch Travis Kelce and his Chiefs face the Eagles

Taylor Swift was spotted in a Superdome suite about 90 minutes before the 2025 Super Bowl kickoff.

3 days ago

Nineteen states sued President Donald Trump on Friday to stop Elon Musk’s DOGE from accessing ...

ANTHONY IZAGUIRRE, ASSOCIATED PRESS

19 states sue to stop DOGE from accessing Americans’ personal data

Nineteen states sued President Donald Trump on Friday to stop Elon Musk’s DOGE from accessing records that contain personal data for millions of Americans.

5 days ago

Estee Lauder products on display...

ANNE D'INNOCENZIO AP Retail Writer

Estee Lauder to cut up to 7,000 jobs as sales slide

Estee Lauder said it's expanding its restructuring plan to include from 5,800 to 7,000 job cuts by 2026.

7 days ago

dc plane crash recovery...

Associated Press

Remains of all 67 victims of plane/chopper collision near DC are recovered

The news came Tuesday as crews worked to try to recover the cockpit and other parts of the jetliner from the Potomac River.

8 days ago

A figure skater with the Cottonwood Heights Figure Skating Club held a rose during a memorial vigil...

Shara Park

Cottonwood Heights Figure Skating Club holds memorial vigil for Flight 5432

As crews pull the remaining wreckage from Flight 5432, figure skating clubs from around the country held vigils to honor those killed.

9 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Two new 9/11 victims identified, the first identifications in two years