'A wound that will not heal.' Families mark 30 years since TWA Flight 800 disaster
SHIRLEY, Long Island (WABC) -- Thirty years after TWA Flight 800 exploded off the coast of Long Island, killing all 230 people aboard, relatives of the victims will gather Thursday night to remember their loved ones and reflect on the enduring impact of one of the deadliest aviation disasters in U.S. history.
On July 17, 1996, the Boeing 747 took off from JFK Airport heading to Paris and exploded just 12 minutes later, crashing into the Atlantic Ocean about eight miles south of Long Island. The massive recovery effort that followed became one of the largest in the nation's history and left families waiting weeks for answers and, in many cases, for the recovery of their loved ones' remains.
Eyewitness News was there covering their heartbreaking wait at the Ramada Plaza near the airport.
For Aurelie Becker, the pain remains deeply personal. Her 19-year-old daughter, Michele, was among the passengers aboard the flight and was one of the last victims recovered. Becker recalled the agonizing wait following the crash, describing it as "almost like being in jail."
Michele's uncle, John Seaman, has spent decades ensuring the victims are not forgotten. As head of the TWA Flight 800 Families Association, he has worked to maintain the memorial at Smith Point County Park and advocate for aviation safety reforms inspired by lessons learned from the disaster.
The cause of the crash was heavily debated, but federal investigators ultimately concluded that a spark in the 747's main fuel tank brought it down. Families later pushed for legislative and safety changes aimed at preventing similar tragedies.
Smith Point Beach serves as both a memorial and a place of reflection. The site features carvings symbolizing 230 birds ascending from an ocean wave, along with the flags of 14 nations represented among the passengers and crew.
While hurricanes and Superstorm Sandy have battered the shoreline over the years, family members say the memorial has endured - much like the grief carried by those left behind.
Seaman's greatest concern now is ensuring the site remains preserved for future generations.
"Not every day is as emotional as the day that we're in right now," said Becker.
Tonight's ceremony begins at 7:45 p.m.
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