On September 11, 2001, as the coordinated terrorist attacks unfolded in the United States, the identity of the first person to die became a point of careful inquiry. The first confirmed fatality was Daniel M. Lewin, a 31-year-old American mathematician and entrepreneur, who was seated in row 9 on American Airlines Flight 11. Lewin, a former member of the Israeli Defense Forces, was reportedly stabbed by hijackers attempting to breach the cockpit. His death occurred shortly after the plane was hijacked, around 8:20 a.m., while the flight was still over Massachusetts. This profile provides a verified, enduring explanation grounded in official reports and investigative findings.
What Happened on 9/11: A Brief Context
September 11, 2001, was the deadliest terrorist attack in U.S. history. Four commercial airliners were hijacked by 19 members of al-Qaeda. Two planes, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, were flown into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center in New York. A third, American Airlines Flight 77, crashed into the Pentagon. The fourth, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to overcome the hijackers. The attacks killed 2,977 victims in the towers, on the ground, and aboard the four flights, not including the 19 hijackers.
The First Fatality: Daniel M. Lewin
Who Was Daniel M. Lewin
Daniel M. Lewin was a 31-year-old American-Israeli mathematician and co-founder of Akamai Technologies, a content delivery network company. He was seated in 9A, row 9, on American Airlines Flight 11. According to the 9/11 Commission Report and other official investigations, Lewin was stabbed by hijackers Satam al-Suqami and possibly Wail al-Shehri during the initial takeover of the aircraft. His death occurred within minutes of the hijacking, making him the first known fatality aboard the four flights that day.
How and When He Died
The plane took off from Boston at 7:59 a.m. By 8:14 a.m., the hijackers were in control. The first confirmed death on that flight was Lewin, who was seated just behind the hijackers in business class. The 9/11 Commission concluded that Lewin was likely killed shortly after takeoff, possibly while attempting to intervene. The flight remained airborne for about 80 minutes before crashing into the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 a.m.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Daniel M. Lewin | 9/11 Commission Report, victim lists |
| Age | 31 years old | Passenger manifest, airline records |
| Flight | American Airlines Flight 11 | NTSB/FBI reports |
| Seat | Row 9, Seat A (9A) | Crew and passenger seating charts |
| Estimated Time of Death | Approximately 8:20 a.m. (during hijacking) | 9/11 Commission timeline |
| Cause of Death | Stab wounds | Medical examiner reports, investigation summaries |
| Crew and Passenger Survivors | 0; all onboard perished | Official passenger and crew lists |
Remembering the Victims and Their Stories
Each of the 2,977 victims had a distinct story, and among them, Daniel M. Lewin stood out not only as the first fatality but also for his background as a former officer in the Israeli Defense Forces and his role in building internet infrastructure. His legacy is honored in various memorials, including the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Recognizing individual stories helps preserve the human dimension of historical events.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
In the chaos of that day, many rumors emerged about who died first. Some speculated about first responders or individuals in the towers. However, the first fatalities on the aircraft were the passengers and crew on the hijacked flights. Notably, the first identified victim on any of the flights was Daniel M. Lewin on Flight 11. Clarifying these points is essential for historical accuracy and respect for the victims.
Key Takeaways
- The first confirmed death on 9/11 was Daniel M. Lewin, aboard American Airlines Flight 11.
- Lewin, 31, was a mathematician and co-founder of Akamai Technologies, with a background in Israeli military service.
- He was seated in row 9 and was stabbed by hijackers during the aircraft takeover.
- His death occurred around 8:20 a.m., approximately 80 minutes before the plane struck the North Tower.
- Official reports, including the 9/11 Commission, corroborate this timeline and identification.
FAQ: Common Questions About the First Fatality on 9/11
Below are concise answers to frequently asked questions regarding the first person to die on September 11, 2001.
Q: Was Daniel M. Lewin the first person to die that day?
A: He is the first known fatality on one of the hijacked flights. First responders and individuals in the towers began dying shortly after the impacts, but Lewin’s death occurred earlier, during the hijacking of Flight 11 around 8:20 a.m.
Q: How do we know it was hijackers who killed him?
A> The 9/11 Commission Report, based on cockpit voice recorder transcripts, air traffic control communications, and passenger accounts, indicates that hijackers stabbed passengers, including Lewin, in an attempt to breach the cockpit.
Q: Are there any memorials for Daniel M. Lewin?
A: Yes, he is commemorated at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. His name is inscribed on Panel N-75 of the North Pool, which includes victims from Flight 11.
Q: Could someone have died earlier in the towers?
A: The towers were struck at 8:46 a.m. (North) and 9:03 a.m. (South). Any deaths related to the building impacts occurred after those times, making Lewin’s death aboard Flight 11 earlier.
Conclusion
Understanding who was the first person to die on 9/11 involves examining verified records, investigative reports, and timelines. Daniel M. Lewin’s death aboard American Airlines Flight 11 marks the earliest confirmed fatality among the attacks that day. His story, along with the memories of all who lost their lives, remains a vital part of historical record and collective memory.