WTC Marriott: 20 Guests Missing, 2 Employees

The Marriott World Trade Center Hotel in New York City, destroyed in the September 11 terror attacks, is still missing two employees and approximately 20 guests. USAE has confirmed that the two Marriott employees are Joseph Keller, Director of Services and Abdu Malahi, a 37-year-old from Yemen, who worked in the audio-visual department at the hotel.

Though Marriott employees would not release the names or positions of the missing employees, Joseph Spinnato, president of the Hotel Association of New York City, Inc., sent a memo to all general managers of member hotels saying, "We regret to inform you that Joe Keller, Director of Services for the Marriott World Trade Center, was one of the victims of the September 11th attack on the World Trade Center."

Lucy Bossert, spokesperson for Marriott International Inc., told USAE that the company had not been asked by the families to release the names of the employees and that their obligation was to protect the privacy of those families.

"What we can say," Bossert said, "is that we are missing two associates that are valued and loved members of our families and that our thoughts are with their families and the families of all victims of this tragic event."

J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Marriott International addressed the matter in a recent company release, saying "The terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania have been tragic events for our country and for the world. First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families and loved ones affected by this horrific event. Two of our hotels in downtown New York City were directly impacted and we mourn the loss of two dedicated associates still counted among the missing. I was very proud of the heroic job our teams at the hotels did in evacuating guests. We are doing everything possible to support our affected associates and guests during this difficult time."

Bossert did confirm to USAE that approximately 20 guests of the World Trade Center hotel are also among the missing.

"Sadly, it appears that some of our guests are missing," Bossert said.

She explained that since September 11 the number of guests missing, reported by families and friends, has fluctuated and decreased since the initial days. In the last few days, she explained, the number has also decreased and it now appears about 20 guests is correct, though Marriott "is hoping the number will continue to decrease."

Amy Loe, 23, who was working the front desk at the hotel, told the New York Daily News that the last time she saw Marriott’s Joe Keller, was when he was trapped in the center of the lobby with two injured firemen. Keller was calling for help on a walkie-talkie.

"I’m alive. I’m here with two firemen who are really badly hurt," he was saying.

"He was only 10 feet away," Loe said. "I can’t believe I got out and he didn’t."

Keller leaves behind a wife, Rose Keller, 29, and two children, including a 6-month-old daughter Sydnie.

"He was the breadwinner," Keller told the Daily News. "I was home with the kids. Now it’s me and the kids. I’ve got to worry about everything."

A memorial service for Mr. Keller will be held on Saturday, October 20, at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of the Annunciation in Paramus, New Jersey.