Archive · 14 Dec 2025
9/11 Firefighter Father Dies from Related Illness
A retired firefighter named Jim Riches, who lost his son in the 9/11 attacks, has died from an illness caused by the toxic dust at Ground Zero.
Jim was a deputy chief in the New York Fire Department and spent months searching for his son after the attacks.
His son, Jimmy Jr., was a firefighter who was last seen helping an injured woman in the North Tower.
Jim continued to work at the site even after finding his son's remains.
He later became very sick from breathing in the toxic dust and passed away on Thanksgiving Day.
More than 400 firefighters have died from similar illnesses linked to 9/11.
James “Jim” Riches, a retired New York Fire Department deputy chief, died from a 9/11-related illness at the age of 74.
Riches spent months searching for his son, Firefighter James Riches Jr., who was killed in the 9/11 attacks.
His son was last seen carrying an injured woman from the lobby of the North Tower and was among the 343 firefighters killed in the attacks.
Riches continued to work at Ground Zero until recovery operations ended in May 2002, despite his declining health.
More than 400 FDNY members have died from illnesses linked to toxic exposure following the collapse of the World Trade Center.
- Who
- James “Jim” Riches, a retired New York Fire Department deputy chief, and his son, Firefighter James Riches Jr.
- What
- Jim Riches died from a 9/11-related illness, and his son was killed in the 9/11 attacks.
- When
- Jim Riches died on Thanksgiving Day, 2023, and his son died on September 11, 2001.
- Where
- Jim Riches died in New York, and his son was last seen in the lobby of the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
- Why
- Jim Riches died from illnesses linked to toxic exposure following the collapse of the World Trade Center, and his son was killed in the 9/11 attacks.
- Name
- James “Jim” Riches
- Age
- 74
- Occupation
- Retired New York Fire Department deputy chief
- Date of Death
- Thanksgiving Day, 2023
- Cause of Death
- 9/11-related illness
- Son's Name
- James Riches Jr.
- Son's Occupation
- Firefighter
- Son's Date of Death
- September 11, 2001
- Son's Last Seen Location
- Lobby of the North Tower
- Number of FDNY Members Died from 9/11-Related Illnesses
- More than 400