Roger Borkum, 64, narrowly escaped death during the 9/11 attacks while working on the 77th floor of Tower One at the World Trade Center. His entire team perished in the tragedy. Over the years, he faced more personal hardships, including the death of his wife, Celeste, on a humanitarian trip in 2009, and estrangement from his family.
Despite these challenges, he was remembered by his sister Deborah Imhof as “a man of integrity and a great work ethic.”
What Happened on October 19 with 9/11 Survivors?
Borkum, who was living on the streets in downtown Jacksonville, Florida, was attacked by a group of teenagers on October 19. Police said he was assaulted three separate times by Marcavion Lacey, 19, Robert Pope, 16, and Justin Curry, 13.
Witnesses found him severely injured with “a large amount of blood pooled near his head, with blood also trailing the sidewalk.” He was taken to the hospital but succumbed to blunt force trauma four days later.
Who Killed 9/11 Survivors?
All three teenagers have been charged with murder. Curry, who was 12 at the time of the attack, and Pope have been charged as adults. According to police, the group attacked Borkum while “rummaging” through his backpack.
One suspect allegedly said they targeted him because he “dissed” their “dead homies.” Authorities reported that the teens later assaulted and robbed another homeless man in a separate incident.
Borkum’s death has shocked the local community. The Sheriff’s Office said the incident “is a heartbreaking reminder of how young some offenders have become and how devastating the consequences are for victims, families, and the surrounding community.”
His sister added, “Although we don’t know what transpired in Roger’s life that caused him to be homeless, we’ll always remember him to be a man of integrity and a great work ethic. He was a soft-spoken man who cared for everyone he ever met. He is missed greatly.”
Suspects to Face Adult Charges: What Comes Next
The State Attorney’s Office confirmed that all three suspects will be tried as adults. Authorities emphasized that “the juvenile justice system is neither designed nor equipped to handle offenders or offenses of this magnitude.”
Investigators continue to gather evidence for the trial, highlighting the seriousness of the crime and the tragic loss of a man who survived one of America’s most devastating attacks.
