Forensic anthropologist John Williams was called to New York to help identify human remains after the attack on the World Trade Center. Twenty-five years later, he’s ready to talk about it.
John Williams almost chose not to do this interview, unsure whether he was ready to talk about his experience in New York City in the days after Sept. 11, 2001.
The forensic anthropologist helped identify human remains for over four decades, but the two weeks he spent answering the nation’s call following the worst terrorist attack in its history remain the most challenging and important of his career.
In 2003, Williams took a position at Western Carolina University, where he established the “Body Farm” to study the decomposition of human remains to help inform the work of detectives and scientists. He also co-edited a 2022 book to guide professionals and policymakers in victim identification following a disaster.
In the 25 years since the Twin Towers fell, he’s talked about his experience less and less. But the memories have never faded. Now, he’s decided it’s time to share more of his story.
