Some of the most disturbing images from the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks are those of brave people jumping from the World Trade Center twin towers to their deaths.
It is estimated that nearly 200 people deliberately chose to jump to escape the intense smoke, flames, and extreme heat. Their falling speed was estimated to be 120 mph.
Witness accounts described the impact of bodies hitting the ground as horrific and devastating.
Bodies were often dismembered and rendered unrecognizable. DNA and other forensic methods were used to identify the remains.
Their deaths were officially -- inaccurately -- classified as homicides related to the terrorist attacks. In actuality, the people who jumped defined their deaths on their own terms instead of being killed by terrorists.
They were courageous beyond description. May they rest in eternal, defiant peace.
