9/11 Widow Among Buffalo Plane Crash Victims

MYFOXNY.COM - A Connecticut woman whose husband died in the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center  was among the 49 people killed in a commuter plane crash near Buffalo.

Family members say Beverly Eckert of Stamford, was aboard the plane that crashed into a home as it headed toward Buffalo Niagara International Airport Thursday night.

Eckert's husband, Sean Rooney, died in the attacks at the World Trade Center, where he worked for Aon Risk Management Services on the 105th floor of the south tower. He was 50 years old in 2001. He spoke to his wife on the phone saying he had tried escaping but was trapped by smoke and fire.

His wife had posted a memorial statement on a tribute Web site about her husband.

"We are privileged to have known and worked with this extraordinary individual, whose own remarkable legacy of love and bravery will become a part of the Memorial Museum," said Joe Daniels, president and CEO of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, in a note to donors. "Her death last evening leaves that horrible sense of unfairness that is all too familiar not only to the 9/11 community but to all of us who have lost loved ones before it was their time."

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Beverly Eckert wrote, "When Sean laughed, which was often, his shoulders would shake. Even as a toddler, he had an irrepressible chuckle. The ability to see the humorous angle in almost any situation characterized Sean throughout his life. In high school, he was notoriously irreverent. Later, during an early stint in the restaurant business, his wit made a lasting impression on his staff for whom he was both friend and mentor. During his career in insurance, he forged lasting friendships with colleagues and clients alike. And his laughter and warmth made each day special for his wife. Sean was both intelligent and wise, and his input was frequently solicited by friends and family."

Eckert was reportedly traveling to Buffalo to attend a celebration of what would have been her husband's 58th birthday this weekend. She and her husband were high school sweethearts in Buffalo and had been married 34 years.

Sean Rooney/ From Wall of Americans