A Call Before the Chaos
On September 11, 2001, at 9:12 a.m., nine minutes after United Airlines Flight 175 struck the South Tower between floors 77 and 85, 24-year-old Welles Crowther called his mother and left a message: “Mom, this is Welles. I wanted you to know that I’m okay.” Working on the 104th floor at Sandler O’Neill & Partners, he had no idea his next decisions would save lives.
Guiding Survivors to Safety
Crowther reached the 78th-floor sky lobby, where he encountered a group of survivors, including Ling Young from the 86th floor, badly burned and disoriented.
Carrying a young woman on his back, Crowther led them to the only working stairwell and guided the group 17 floors down before returning upstairs to help others. By then, he had tied a red bandana around his nose and mouth to protect against smoke.
Returning for More
Crowther found another group of survivors, including Judy Wein from the 103rd floor, injured with broken ribs and a punctured lung. He helped put out fires, administered first aid, and instructed those who could walk to stand and assist others.
Once again, he directed the group down the stairwell toward safety before heading back up with members of the FDNY to search for more people trapped above. He was last seen alive in the South Tower before it collapsed at 9:59 a.m.
Aftermath and Recognition
Crowther’s body was recovered in March 2002, near several firefighters and emergency workers in what appeared to be a command post in the South Tower lobby. His family learned of his actions only after survivors, including Ling Young and Judy Wein, recognized him from photographs and confirmed his identity. A nearly completed application to join the FDNY was later found in his home.
According to survivor accounts, Welles Crowther saved as many as 18 people during the attacks. Today, his name is inscribed on Panel S-50 of the National September 11 Memorial, and his story continues to be remembered through documentaries, publications, and tributes, including his red bandana displayed at the 9/11 Memorial Museum.
Nine minutes after Flight 175 struck the South Tower, Welles Crowther called his mother to say he was safe.
Minutes later, he entered the chaos of the 78th floor sky lobby, where his actions, a red bandana, and split-second choices would define his final hour…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/FTarrA4IoU
— Fascinating True Stories (@FascinatingTrue) September 11, 2025