Fort Worth residents Renee Cottrell Brown and her husband Eric Brown recently recounted their harrowing experience during the September 11, 2001 attacks while on a business trip to New York City. The couple was staying on the 26th floor of the World Trade Center Marriott, a hotel situated between the Twin Towers.
Escape from the towers
Renee had planned to work out in the hotel’s glass‑enclosed gym but chose to order room service instead. Moments later, a hijacked American Airlines jet struck the North Tower, shaking the building and sending debris down the hallway. “The whole building shook and immediately debris started to fall, and we knew something had happened,” Eric recalled.
A man fleeing the gym warned them of a fire above, prompting the Browns to rush down the stairs in a robe and flip‑flops. Outside, emergency personnel guided them through shattered glass and urged them not to look up at the devastation. “When you look up you see a gaping hole in a building right next to you,” Eric said, describing the surreal scene.
Witnessing tragedy
From the street they saw people jumping from the towers, a sight Eric described as “unthinkable” and “horrific.” They also observed the second plane approaching the South Tower before it crashed, causing a massive blast that sent crowds fleeing in panic.
Acts of humanity amid chaos
Despite the carnage, the Browns experienced remarkable kindness from strangers. A New Jersey couple invited them into their home, provided food, helped Renee clean up, and ensured she received necessary medication. Later, at a RadioShack in Manhattan, a clerk recognized Eric’s hotel key, handed him a phone charger, and refused payment, saying, “RadioShack’s not making any money off of you today.”
Eric reflected, “Out of all of this happening, all of this chaos, all of this death, I personally experienced humanity that I will never ever forget. There’s a positive story in this evil that happened on Sept. 11 that affected me profoundly.”
Aftermath and health impact
The Browns were part of a six‑person Dallas‑Fort Worth business group that survived the attacks. In the years since, Eric has struggled with a 9/11‑related illness, managing his health with the support of his family and community.
Their story underscores the enduring gratitude many survivors feel for the compassion shown by ordinary citizens during America’s darkest day.
Original reporting: Dallas – Ft. Worth Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
