Nearly 24 years after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of 2,976 people, three more victims have been identified thanks to advancements in forensic DNA technology and the ongoing commitment of New York City officials.

The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) announced on Thursday, August 7, that the newly confirmed victims are:

• Ryan Fitzgerald, 26, of Floral Park, New York

• Barbara Keating, 72, of Palm Springs, California

• An adult woman whose name is being withheld at the request of her family

These individuals are now officially recorded as the 1,651st, 1,652nd, and 1,653rd victims identified from the World Trade Center tragedy.

Who They Were

Ryan Fitzgerald had just begun a promising new career at the foreign currency exchange desk at Fiduciary Trust in the South Tower. It was his first time living on his own in Manhattan, and his future was just beginning to take shape.

Barbara Keating was a 72-year-old grandmother traveling aboard American Airlines Flight 11 when it was hijacked and flown into the North Tower. She was remembered by her loved ones as a caring family matriarch.

The third victim’s identity remains private, with city officials honoring the family’s request for confidentiality.

When the Remains Were Found

Authorities explained that Fitzgerald’s remains were recovered in 2002, a year after the attacks. Keating’s remains, along with those of the unnamed woman, were recovered in 2001. At the time, technology could not provide a definitive identification, leaving families in decades of uncertainty.

It is only through continued outreach to victims’ families and breakthroughs in forensic DNA testing that these identifications were finally made. The OCME has stressed that their mission will continue until every possible victim is named.

Officials Respond to the News

New York City Mayor Eric Adams acknowledged the enduring pain felt by families:

“The pain of losing a loved one in the September 11th terror attacks echoes across the decades. With these three new identifications, we take a step forward in comforting the family members still aching from that day.”

Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jason Graham also reaffirmed the city’s dedication:

“Nearly 25 years after the disaster at the World Trade Center, our promise to identify the missing and return them to their loved ones stands as strong as ever. Each new identification testifies to the power of science and the dedication to honoring the lost.”

An Ongoing Forensic Effort

Since 2001, the OCME has led the largest and most complex forensic investigation in U.S. history. Their work is far from over, as around 1,100 victims remain unidentified. Each breakthrough in DNA technology brings new hope to families who have waited decades for closure.

For many relatives, the identification of a loved one’s remains allows for a more personal memorial, a final resting place, and the chance to say goodbye properly. Officials believe that these advances are not only important for historical record but also serve as a vital step in emotional healing.

As the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks approaches, New York City continues to honor the memory of those lost — not only through memorial services, but also through this painstaking, scientific work to give every victim back their name.