Beverly Eckert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Beverly Eckert
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Beverly Eckert shaking hands with President Barack Obama less than a week before her death.
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| Born | May 29, 1951 Buffalo, New York, U.S.
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| Died | February 12, 2009 (aged 57) |
| Resting place | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Alma mater | State University of New York at Buffalo |
| Known for | Member of 9/11 Family Steering Committee |
| Spouse(s) | Sean Rooney (m. 1980–2001; his death in the September 11 attacks) |
Beverly Eckert (born May 29, 1951 – died February 12, 2009) was an American activist. She worked hard to find out what happened on September 11, 2001. Her husband, Sean Rooney, sadly died in the attacks.
Beverly became a strong voice for the families affected by 9/11. She helped create the 9/11 Commission, a group that investigated the attacks. She also pushed for a special place to remember those who died.
She tragically died at age 57 in a plane crash in 2009. Just a few days before, she had met with President Barack Obama. They talked about important issues for 9/11 families.
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Beverly's Early Life and Family
Beverly Eckert was born in 1951 in Buffalo, New York. She met her future husband, Sean P. Rooney, when they were both 16 years old. They met at a dance in Buffalo.
Beverly went to an all-girls high school. Later, she earned a degree in fine arts in 1975 from Buffalo State College. Sean worked in financial services. He was a vice president at the Aon Corporation.
Sean worked on the 98th floor of the World Trade Center's south tower. Beverly and Sean had no children. They lived in Stamford, Connecticut. They had been married for 21 years when Sean died.
What Happened on September 11, 2001?
On September 11, 2001, planes hit the World Trade Center. Sean Rooney called his wife, Beverly. They left each other voice messages.
Sean tried to get to safety. He went to the 105th floor of his building. He was trying to reach the roof. But he became trapped. The tower then collapsed, and he died.
Beverly went home after learning about the attacks. She stayed on the phone with her husband. She was on the phone until she heard the tower collapse. She shared her story in an interview later.
Beverly's Work After 9/11
After 9/11, Beverly Eckert became a leading activist. She joined other victims' families. They worked to create the 9/11 Commission. This group investigated the attacks.
They also pushed for better national security. And they wanted a memorial at the World Trade Center site. Beverly was one of many family members who asked for big changes. These changes were meant to protect Americans from terrorism.
Beverly was also a co-chairperson for a group called Voices of September 11. She worked with officials in Stamford, Connecticut. They created different memorial projects.
She left her job and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. She also tutored students at an elementary school. Beverly planted birch trees in a park. This was to honor her husband and other victims. She also had a mural made and planted a tree at the train station. This was where her husband used to commute to work.
In 2003, Beverly wrote a famous statement. She said she would not accept money from a victims' fund. Instead, she wanted answers. She wanted to know why security systems failed. She wanted to know why the towers collapsed so quickly. She believed her husband's life was priceless. She wanted his death to mean something important. She said, "My silence cannot be bought."
Beverly's Tragic Death
Beverly Eckert died on February 12, 2009. She was killed in a plane crash. The plane was Colgan Air Flight 3407. It crashed outside of Buffalo, New York.
She was traveling to Buffalo to celebrate her husband's birthday. Sean would have turned 58 on February 15. She was also going to give a scholarship in Sean's honor. This scholarship was for a student at Canisius High School.
A week before she died, Beverly met with U.S. President Barack Obama. They talked about different issues. After her death, President Obama called her a "tireless advocate." He said she worked hard for the families whose lives changed on 9/11.
In June 2009, Beverly's sister filed a lawsuit. She sued the airlines involved in the crash. She claimed they were responsible for the accident.
