9/11 victim's identity emerges nearly 25 years later after DNA breakthrough cracks mystery

Nearly 25 years after the Sept. 11 attacks, a family has finally received an answer after New York City investigators used a first-of-its-kind DNA and genealogy technique to identify a woman killed at the World Trade Center.

The adult woman, whose name is being withheld at her family’s request, is the first World Trade Center victim identified through forensic investigative genetic genealogy, New York City officials announced Sunday.

Her identification marks the 1,654th person identified from remains recovered after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, which killed 2,753 people in New York City.

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The breakthrough came through a collaboration between the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, and the NYPD’s Investigative Genetic Genealogy Squad. The technique pairs specialized DNA analysis with genealogy research to generate leads that are then confirmed through forensic testing.

"As we approach the 25th anniversary of the horrific September 11 attacks, we honor the nearly 3,000 people whose lives were stolen that day," NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani said in a statement. "We remain committed to the families who have spent 25 years waiting for answers."

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Forensic investigative genetic genealogy has emerged as a powerful tool in cold cases, allowing investigators to trace family connections from DNA evidence and identify people who may otherwise have remained unknown.

Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jason Graham said the new method could help advance the city’s long-running effort to identify those killed in the attacks.

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"This sacred commitment is propelled by our dedication to apply the most innovative scientific techniques," Graham said. "FIGG represents a promising new addition to our toolkit."

Officials said they are also using renewed family outreach and continued DNA retesting to link recovered remains to victims already identified.

But the work remains unfinished. About 1,099 World Trade Center victims, roughly 40% of those killed, have yet to be identified.

The woman is the first newly identified World Trade Center victim since August 2025, officials said.