A 42-year-old New York state trooper has died from his 9/11 related illness, according to the Poughkeepsie (NY) Journal.

State Police Investigator Ryan Fortini worked in search and recovery efforts following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. These selfless efforts reflect the way Fortini lived his life, with his former coworkers remarking that Fortini was often the first to respond when his colleagues needed backup.

As a result of his recovery efforts after the terrorist attacks, Fortini developed a 9/11 related illness – cancer – which ultimately caused his death. He is survived by his fiancé, parents, brother, and sister. His colleagues and loved ones described him as a positive and upbeat individual who was “always smiling.”

“Investigator Fortini is a tremendous loss to our organization and to all who knew him,” State Police Superintendent Keith M. Corlett said in a statement to the Poughkeepsie Journal.

“A true hero, he gave his life by doing a job he loved, a job he did well, by protecting the citizens of New York State. Ryan will always be a member of our state police family, and we will do our best to honor his service and sacrifice, as we do with all our fallen members. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

9/11 Related Illness Compensation

Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, tons of toxic dust descended into the air around the World Trade Center and the Lower Manhattan area. This dust contained a variety of toxic materials including pulverized concrete, glass, cellulose, asbestos, lead, and mercury. Many of these toxins are carcinogenic, which has resulted in numerous first responders, victims, and residents developing 9/11 related illness.

The U.S. Congress passed the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund to provide financial compensation to victims suffering 9/11 a related illness, or money to the families of those who died. If someone has a 9/11 related disease certified by the World Trade Center Health Program, they may be eligible for compensation or healthcare assistance.

A variety of illnesses are certified by the WTC Health Program, including:

• Acute traumatic injuries: burns, complex sprains, eye injury, head trauma
• Aerodigestive disorders: asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea
• Musculoskeletal disorders: carpal tunnel, lower back pain
• Mental health conditions: anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Cancers: blood and lymphoid cancers, digestive system cancers, breast cancer, reproductive organ cancers, eye and orbit cancers, head and neck cancers, respiratory system cancers, skin cancers, soft tissue cancers, thyroid cancers, urinary system cancers

If you were a first responder, attack victim, or a resident near the fallout zone, you may be able to recover compensation and benefits from 9/11 victim compensation programs. Although the help of an attorney is not required in these situations, an experienced lawyer may be able to assist you in filing a claim and providing all the necessary documentation required to get paid. These legal professionals make it their priority to help victims get the maximum compensation they are owed.