Distressing final phone call 9/11 flight attendant made to husband moments before fatal crash

CeeCee Lyles was a flight attendant on one of the four planes hijacked by terrorists during the 9/11 attacks, and she placed a gut-wrenching phone call to her husband before attempting to retake control of the aircraft. 

On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people were killed after jihadists hijacked a total of four US planes. Two crashed into both towers of the World Trade Center in New York, and the third into the Pentagon. The fourth plane, which was believed to be heading to the White House or somewhere in Washington, went down in a field after the heroic acts of CeeCee Lyles and the passengers. 

Her story is beyond sad, but she’s remembered as a hero. 

CeeCee Lyles’ final phone call on 9/11 was to her husband

Credit: 9/11 Memorial

CeeCee Lyles was one of seven crew members aboard United Airlines Flight 93, which included two pilots, five flight attendants, 33 passengers and 4 hijackers. It was the final aircraft hijacked by members of al-Qaeda, with US officials believing the target was federal buildings in DC. 

CeeCee was unable to get through to her husband, Lorne Lyles, in a 9.47 am phone call, but she did leave him the following voicemail: “You have to listen to me carefully. I’m on a plane that’s been hijacked.”

She shared her love for her family, which included four sons, adding: “They’ve hijacked the plane, I’m trying to be calm. We’re turned around, and I’ve heard that there’s planes that’s been, been flown into the World Trade Center. I hope to be able to see your face again baby. I love you.”

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13 minutes later, she placed another call, and her husband picked up. After the tragic events unfolded, Lorne recalled his wife sharing their plans to retake the aircraft. They obviously didn’t have much on hand to fight back with, but she was planning to throw boiling water at the four hijackers. 

“We’re getting ready to do it now, it’s happening!” were her final words to him.  

Everyone on board Flight 93 died when the plane came crashing down in a field outside Shanksville, Pennsylvania, approximately 174 miles from the original target. Their actions prevented further tragedy, and CeeCee was remembered as a “hero” at the 9/11 memorial. 

Friday, September 11, marks 25 years since the attacks. 

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Featured image credit: Facebook/Family handout