World Trade Center Victim's Remains Identified

Chrissie Cole

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New York City Medical Examiner, on Tuesday, announced they had identified the remains of another victim among more than 1, 100 people who died at the World Trade Center, on September 11, 2001, but whose bodies had not been recovered.

The remains found at Ground Zero, in October, were identified as Edward Ryan, 52, of Scarsdale, New York.
Vice president of Carr Futures Inc, Ryan, was amongst 68 co-workers who died when they were trapped by debris that blocked stairwells in the burning tower.

Last year, the chief medical examiner sent a letter to the familes of victims who had not yet been found, telling them that advanced technology may be helpful in identifying relatives. He was unable to say how long it would take, but that he would not stop trying.

The letter was a milestone because previously, the examiner had told families that -- though he would keep trying -- chances were scientifically slim that future identifications would be made.

In what has become the largest DNA project in history, 20,730 human fragments found at or near the World Trade Center have been cataloged, and a database of DNA profiles of the victims has been created through personal effects such as toothbrushes and combs.

As of last year, 10,933 fragments had been linked to victims, while 9,797 awaited identification, according to Ellen Borakove, public affairs director for the city medical examiner. There were 2,749 victims killed in New York in the attacks.