January 19th 2024.
After more than 20 years, the remains of a man who tragically lost his life in the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center have finally been identified. John Ballantine Niven, a 44-year-old executive for Aon Risk Services, was on the 105th floor of tower two when hijackers flew planes into the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. On Thursday, through a breakthrough in DNA analysis, he was officially recognized as the 1,650th victim of the deadliest attack on American soil.
For his wife, Ellen Niven, and their son who was just 18 months old at the time, this news brings a mix of emotions. Ellen expressed her appreciation for the ongoing efforts by city officials to identify the remains, stating that it is a true testament to the city's commitment to never forget the lives lost on that tragic day. John had grown up in Oyster Bay, and his family often split their time between there and Manhattan.
Oyster Bay supervisor, Joseph Saladino, hopes that this technological breakthrough will bring peace to the Niven family and allow John to rest in eternal peace. However, this identification is just one of many that still need to be made. It is estimated that around 40% of the 2,753 people who lost their lives in the Twin Towers attack remain unidentified. But with advancements in DNA testing, there is hope that the remaining 21,900 remains can eventually be linked to more individuals.
Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Jason Graham, reaffirmed their commitment to finding answers for families using the latest science. He declared that this latest identification is a testament to their unwavering dedication and the determination of their scientists. Mayor Eric Adams of New York City also expressed his gratitude for the ongoing work of the chief medical examiner's office, acknowledging that while the losses from 9/11 will never leave, the possibility of new identifications can offer some solace to the families of victims like John Ballantine Niven.
It is a bittersweet moment for the Niven family, as they mourn the loss of John, who passed away when their son was just a toddler. But his memory lives on, and his name will forever be linked to the tragic events of 9/11. Last September, two more victims were identified ahead of the 22nd anniversary of the attacks, but their families chose to keep their names private. As we reflect on the nearly 3,000 lives lost on 9/11 in New York, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania, let us remember John Ballantine Niven and all those who were taken from us too soon.
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