At precisely 9:41 a.m. and 15 seconds on September 11, 2001, Associated Press photographer Richard Drew captured one of the day’s most unforgettable images. The photograph showed a man descending from the World Trade Center, his body appearing almost perfectly vertical against the building. Soon known as “Falling Man,” the picture was published briefly before several newspapers withdrew it following strong reactions from distressed readers. Twenty-five years later, the man’s identity has never been officially confirmed. However, many researchers believe he was Jonathan Briley, a 43-year-old sound engineer working at the Windows on the World restaurant. Now his sister, Gwen Briley-Strand, has shared how faith and family helped her carry the unanswered questions.

Early efforts to identify the man focused on pastry chef Norberto Hernandez, whose relatives strongly disputed the suggestion. Writer Tom Junod later examined a sequence of Drew’s photographs and noticed an important detail: as the man’s white shirt opened, an orange T-shirt became visible underneath. That discovery did not match what was known about Hernandez’s clothing. Attention then shifted to Briley, a 6-foot-5 sound engineer known to wear black high-top shoes and an orange shirt beneath his uniform. His widow had already packed away his clothing, leaving investigators without the one piece of evidence that might have provided a definitive answer—and the mystery has remained ever since.

Briley-Strand, now 72, said each anniversary brings a different wave of emotion; some years feel distant, while others feel as immediate as that September morning. Jonathan, the middle of five siblings and the brother of Village People singer Alex Briley, had been ordained as a deacon six months earlier and grew up playing gospel piano. He also had asthma, which may have made the smoke-filled conditions especially difficult. The week before the attacks, he had joined Gwen and her husband on a last-minute Florida vacation, giving them one final memory together. For the family, the unanswered identity question was never about an attorney, insurance payment, mortgage, investment, estate dispute, or court judgment. It was about protecting Jonathan’s dignity while recognizing the impossible circumstances faced by those inside the towers. Gwen said she does not believe anyone confronted with those conditions should be condemned, expressing her faith that their spirits were received with compassion.

Drew has defended the photograph as a record of the man’s final living moments rather than an image centered on death. He explained that his camera captured eight or nine frames and that he did not notice the perfectly vertical composition until reviewing his work later. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in the attacks, and Gwen views her brother as representing every family that carried an empty chair and unanswered questions afterward. The photograph reportedly became part of Sir Elton John’s private collection, but its lasting importance reaches far beyond ownership or artistic value. For Gwen, Jonathan remains the brother who loved music, served his church, and spent his final vacation surrounded by family. Anyone experiencing emotional distress can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support.