Frank De Martini
Francis Albert De Martini | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | September 11, 2001 (aged 49) |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Known for | Rescue efforts during the September 11 attacks |
Francis Albert De Martini (March 31, 1952 – September 11, 2001) was an American architect working for the Port Authority of New York, the agency responsible for managing the World Trade Center. He lost his life when the North Tower collapsed during the events of the September 11 attacks.
Background
In 1993, De Martini was brought on board to evaluate the damage caused by the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Subsequently, he assumed the role of construction manager, supervising interior renovations such as removing walls and modifying plumbing systems as requested by tenants.
Death
On the morning of September 11, 2001, De Martini was in his office on the 88th floor alongside colleagues Pablo Ortiz, Peter Negron, and Carlos da Costa when American Airlines Flight 11 impacted the floors above at 8:46 AM. With elevator service compromised, they assisted in rescuing individuals trapped inside elevators and cleared a stairwell to facilitate evacuation.
After assuring his wife of his intention to evacuate with her, De Martini gathered tools with his team to aid others. They breached drywall adjacent to a sealed door on the 89th floor, allowing escape for approximately 25 to 40 people, including his wife Nicole. The group proceeded upward, continuing to assist additional occupants; notably, Mak Hanna carried a man down during these efforts.
De Martini, Ortiz, Negron, and da Costa perished when the North Tower fell at 10:28 AM; Hanna survived. De Martini’s remains were never recovered. Their courageous rescue actions are credited with saving close to 77 lives.
De Martini’s bravery is highlighted in documentaries such as 9/11: Heroes of the 88th Floor and 9/11: The Twin Towers. He is honored at the National September 11 Memorial’s South Pool on Panel S-27 alongside other first responders.
See also
References
- Articles with short description
- Articles with hCards
- No local image but image on Wikidata
- Victims of the September 11 attacks
- Architects from New York City
- 20th-century American architects
- 1952 births
- 2001 deaths
- 21st-century American architects
- Port Authority of New York and New Jersey people
- Inventors killed by their own invention