DNA Breakthroughs at Ground Zero: 25 Years of Identification Efforts

Thu Sep 10 2026 21:53:35 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

New forensic genetic genealogy tools are helping identify 9/11 victims, bringing closure to families amid long‑standing uncertainty.

For more than a quarter of a century, New York City’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has struggled to identify every victim of the 9/11 attacks. Recent advances in forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) are now unlocking new DNA matches, paving the way for families to finally know who their loved ones were. The technology uses whole‑genome sequencing to find distant relatives, allowing a more comprehensive search. Yet many families still face the decision of whether to reopen painful wounds by revealing identities. The work remains a testament to human perseverance and the enduring quest for answers.

DNA Breakthroughs at Ground Zero: 25 Years of Identification Efforts

For 25 years, the only physical trace Juliette Scauso has had of her father, slain on 9/11, was a mangled firefighter helmet.

Dennis Scauso, a Hazmat unit firefighter, was not scheduled to work that day but switched shifts for overtime. He was likely in the South Tower when it collapsed, and his helmet with the badge number was recovered months later.

“I’ve spent essentially my entire life knowing my father died, and learning to live with the fact that we never recovered him,” says Scauso, who was four at the time of the tragedy.

More than 1,000 9/11 victims in New York remain unidentified, according to the city’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Nearly 3,000 people died that day, but identification efforts recover only 60% of victims to date.

Last month, the city identified a new victim—the 1,654th individual—using forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG). Angela Soler, director of forensic anthropology, said the approach offers hope for more families.

25 Years Later, DNA Matches Are Still Being Made

Identifying remains is complicated by damaged bones, fires, and jet‑fuel fires that left only portions of victims. Many first responders had to use others’ gear, further confusing identification.

FIGG uses whole‑genome sequencing to read an entire DNA profile, enabling matches with distant relatives. Once a match is found, the New York Police Department helps locate closer kin.

Since 9/11, Soler’s office has only re‑identified victims when new technologies are available. DNA has helped identify 1,495 victims, and last year three new victims were named 24 years afterwards.

Reopening Old Wounds

The office still receives weekly calls from families seeking answers. Some relatives choose to keep remains at a 9/11 memorial repository for closure. Others prefer not to be notified, fearing the pain it brings.

Scauso, one of those who would rather not reopen the wound, reflects on the choice. While identification doesn’t bring back a loved one, it may close one chapter while opening another.

For Soler and her colleagues, who were on the ground after the towers collapsed, the identification work is deeply personal. Though many victims may never be identified, the city remains committed to continuing the search for families who still want answers.