The short version
- New York City officials used forensic investigative genetic genealogy to identify a previously unknown victim of the September 11 attacks, marking the 1,654th identification.
- More than 1,000 individuals who died in the World Trade Center towers remain unidentified due to the extreme destruction of remains and complex logistical challenges.
- Advances in whole genome sequencing allow investigators to match distant relatives, potentially resolving cases that traditional DNA methods could not solve.
The quest to identify the victims of the September 11 attacks has entered a new phase with the successful application of forensic investigative genetic genealogy. New York City officials recently announced the identification of the 1,654th victim using this advanced technology, which analyzes whole genome sequencing to trace familial connections. This development offers renewed hope to the more than 1,000 families who have waited decades without recovering or identifying their loved ones from the World Trade Center site.
The scale of the identification effort remains one of the most complex in forensic history. Nearly 3,000 people died in the attacks on the World Trade Center, and while approximately 60 percent of those killed have been identified, a significant number remain unknown. The destruction caused by the plane crashes and subsequent fires severely damaged human remains, often leaving only fragments suitable for DNA sampling. This physical degradation has historically hindered traditional identification methods such as fingerprinting or dental records.
Juliette Scauso, who was four years old when her father, firefighter Dennis Scauso, died in the attacks, represents the long-term emotional toll of these unresolved cases. For 25 years, her only physical connection to her father’s final day was his mangled helmet, which was recovered months after the collapse of the South Tower where he was likely located. Like many other families, she has lived with the uncertainty of never having recovered his remains, a reality that underscores the persistent need for improved identification techniques.
The challenges facing investigators extend beyond physical damage to the remains. The chaotic nature of the day created logistical complications, particularly among first responders. Many firefighters were changing shifts or stayed behind to assist, often grabbing available gear that did not belong to them. Consequently, some recovered uniforms bore names that did not match the individuals wearing them, adding layers of confusion to the identification process. These factors, combined with the sheer volume of victims at the World Trade Center site compared to other attack locations, have prolonged the work.
Forensic investigative genetic genealogy, or FIGG, addresses some of these limitations by allowing investigators to read an individual’s entire genetic code. This method enables matches with distant relatives who may not have been previously considered in traditional DNA testing. Once potential matches are established through this broad genetic search, law enforcement agencies assist in locating closer family members to confirm identities. Angela Soler, director of forensic anthropology for the city’s medical examiner office, noted that this approach holds real promise for resolving cases that have remained open for years.
The medical examiner’s office has continuously adapted its methods as technology evolves. Initially, identification relied on fingerprints and dental records, but as time passed and those options became unavailable or insufficient, the focus shifted to DNA analysis. Officials have repeatedly retested preserved remains using newer extraction techniques, leading to periodic announcements of new identifications. Last year, for example, three victims were identified 24 years after their deaths, including a currency trader and an elderly passenger on American Airlines Flight 11.
Remains from the World Trade Center have been carefully packaged and sealed to preserve DNA integrity for future testing. This preservation strategy has allowed for ongoing re-evaluation as scientific capabilities improve. In contrast to the World Trade Center, identification efforts at other 9/11 sites faced different outcomes; all victims on United Airlines Flight 93 were identified using traditional methods, while five individuals from the Pentagon crash remain unidentified due to similar conditions of destruction.
For families who do receive confirmation, the decision regarding what happens next is deeply personal. Some choose to have their loved ones buried, while others prefer to leave the remains at a repository built into the bedrock of the World Trade Center site. This secure facility, accessible only to medical examiner staff, allows families to mourn in a nearby reflection room without disturbing the physical location where their relatives died. The office continues to receive weekly inquiries from loved ones seeking updates, highlighting the enduring impact of these unresolved losses.
The integration of FIGG into the identification process marks a significant shift in how authorities approach the remaining unidentified victims. By expanding the pool of potential genetic matches, investigators can reach families who were previously out of reach. As technology continues to advance, the hope is that more of the 1,000+ unidentified individuals will be named, providing closure to those who have spent a quarter-century waiting for answers.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗'We never recovered him': Quest to identify remains from Ground Zero continues
