Breakthrough DNA technology identifies 9|11 victim's remains nearly 25-years later

August 24, 2026 - 10:54

A new breakthrough in genetic technology has led to the identification of a victim of the September 11 attacks, nearly a quarter of a century after the tragedy. The announcement came this week from the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, which said the latest identification was made possible through a combination of advanced DNA testing and genetic genealogy, a process that links DNA profiles to family trees.

The victim, whose name has not been publicly released at the request of the family, is the 1,650th person to be identified from the attacks on the World Trade Center. The office noted that this is the first identification made using this specific genealogical approach, which had previously been used in criminal cases and for identifying unknown soldiers. The technique involves extracting a tiny amount of DNA from bone fragments or other remains, then comparing it to public genealogy databases to find distant relatives. From there, researchers can build a family tree and narrow down the identity.

For many families, this news brings a mix of closure and renewed grief. The medical examiner's office has long said that roughly 40 percent of the 2,753 people killed at the World Trade Center remain unidentified. The new method offers hope that more names can be added to the memorial at Ground Zero, even as time passes. Officials stressed that the work is painstaking and slow, but they remain committed to the mission. The identification was made possible by a grant from the National Institute of Justice, which has funded similar efforts for years. While the process is still in its early stages, experts believe it could eventually help solve some of the most difficult remaining cases from that day.