Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 22 minutes ago
Twenty-five years ago today, photojournalist Bill Biggart documented the events of September 11, 2001, until the final moments of his life.
After learning that a plane had struck the World Trade Center, Biggart grabbed three cameras and headed downtown, photographing as he moved toward the burning towers. Shortly after the first tower fell, he spoke to his wife, Wendy, by phone and told her not to worry, saying he would meet her at his studio in 20 minutes. “I’m safe,” he assured her. “I’m with the firemen.” It was the last time they spoke.
Biggart was killed when the second tower collapsed. His camera equipment was recovered from the rubble and it contained his final photos. His last image was time-stamped 09:28:24 AM (it was really 10:28:24 AM, as Bill had not yet adjusted the camera for daylight savings time). This was the moment the second tower collapsed.
Biggart was the only professional photojournalist killed while covering the attacks.
In this video, ICP Registrar Branden Wallace shares more about Biggart’s story and the photographs he made that day. ICP is deeply honored to care for Bill Biggart’s work as part of our collection, generously donated by his wife, Wendy.
Today, we remember Bill Biggart and all those whose lives were lost and forever changed that day.
Images: Copyright © 2025 Estate of Bill Biggart
Twenty-five years ago today, photojournalist Bill Biggart documented the events of September 11, 2001, until the final moments of his life.
After learning that a plane had struck the World Trade Center, Biggart grabbed three cameras and headed downtown, photographing as he moved toward the burning towers. Shortly after the first tower fell, he spoke to his wife, Wendy, by phone and told her not to worry, saying he would meet her at his studio in 20 minutes. “I’m safe,” he assured her. “I’m with the firemen.” It was the last time they spoke.
Biggart was killed when the second tower collapsed. His camera equipment was recovered from the rubble and it contained his final photos. His last image was time-stamped 09:28:24 AM (it was really 10:28:24 AM, as Bill had not yet adjusted the camera for daylight savings time). This was the moment the second tower collapsed.
Biggart was the only professional photojournalist killed while covering the attacks.
In this video, ICP Registrar Branden Wallace shares more about Biggart’s story and the photographs he made that day. ICP is deeply honored to care for Bill Biggart’s work as part of our collection, generously donated by his wife, Wendy.
Today, we remember Bill Biggart and all those whose lives were lost and forever changed that day.
Images: Copyright © 2025 Estate of Bill Biggart
