Marcy Borders, known as "The Dust Lady", has reportedly died at the age of 42 after losing her battle with stomach cancer.
The mother-of-two made headlines at the time of the shocking tragedy in 2001, when bystanders captured an image of her covered from head to toe in dust and ash from the explosion in the north tower of the World Trade Centre.
She had arrived late to work at the Bank of America on the 81st floor on the morning of the tragedy, and had to fight her way out of the building against the rush of people and the collapse of the floors.
Marcy was diagnosed with stomach cancer in August 2014, for which she underwent chemotherapy. In interviews she gave following her diagnosis, she voiced her belief that the ash and dust from 9/11 was responsible for bringing on her cancer.
“I’m saying to myself, ‘Did this thing ignite cancer cells in me?’ I definitely believe it, because I haven’t had any illnesses. I don’t have high blood pressure…high cholesterol, diabetes,” she told the Jersey Journal.
Marcy’s death was confirmed this morning by her cousin, who shared a Facebook message announcing that she had “unfortunately succumbed to the diseases that have ridden her body since 9/11”.
Our hearts go out to the family at this sad time.
