Who was Barbara Keating? Remains of 72-year-old 9/11 victim identified nearly 24 years later; killed on Flight 11

The remains of Barbara Keating, a 72-year-old grandmother killed on American Airlines Flight 11 during the September 11 attacks, have been formally identified through DNA testing.

Keating was among more than 1,100 victims whose remains could not be identified at the time. The New York City office of the chief medical examiner confirmed the identification, nearly 24 years after the tragedy. Advances in DNA analysis made it possible to match samples recovered in 2001 with material provided by her family.On September 11, 2001, she was travelling from Boston to Los Angeles when her plane was hijacked and flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Her youngest son, Paul Keating, said the news has brought long-awaited closure. “It does actually bring it to a conclusion,” he said, as quoted by CNN, adding that he hopes other families of unidentified victims will receive the same.

The medical examiner’s office has pledged to continue its work until all possible identifications are made. “This office made a very solemn promise to the families of the victims,” Chief medical examiner Dr Jason Graham said, calling the effort a continuing mission. Keating’s remains will be divided between the World Trade Center repository and her late husband’s resting place, giving her family a chance to honour her memory at last.