Barbara Keating was among those who tragically lost their lives on September 11, 2001. A passenger on American Airlines Flight 11, she died when terrorists crashed the plane into the World Trade Center’s north tower. After 25 years, her family will privately commemorate her life in Framingham, Massachusetts.
Keating, who was returning to California after a family visit, had her remains identified by forensic experts last year. Her son, Paul Keating, shared his sentiments with NPR about finally laying her to rest. “We carved the headstone 25 years ago, but she wasn’t there, and now she will be,” he expressed. This gesture brings a sense of closure to the family.
On the tragic day, Paul Keating was in New Jersey on business. He witnessed the destruction of the twin towers and later received the call about his mother’s fate. Barbara Keating had reached 72 years, leaving behind five children and twelve grandchildren. She had retired after leading a chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters near Boston. Her final resting place will be beside her husband.
“She was tough, funny, very smart, she was fabulous,” Paul Keating reflected.
Identification efforts continue for those who perished on 9/11 in New York City. According to officials, 40% of the 2,753 victims remain unidentified. Teams search through the debris, striving to reconnect families with their loved ones. Paul Keating appreciates the relentless effort: “It just means a lot to comb over miles and miles of city blocks of debris for every day, 60 hours a week for 24 years.”
Approximately 1,100 victims of 9/11 still await identification. Dr. Jason Graham, the chief medical examiner of New York City, emphasized the commitment to this mission. “A quarter century after the day that forever changed our world, we are keeping the promise to identify those who died at the World Trade Center in 2001 and return them to their loved ones.” Utilizing cutting-edge forensic DNA techniques, another unidentified woman was identified last month, though her name remains confidential at her family’s request.