CeeCee Lyles
American flight attendant and former police detective (1967-2001)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
CeeCee Ross Lyles (November 26, 1967 – September 11, 2001) was an American flight attendant and former police detective. She is best known for her actions on September 11, 2001, when she, together with passengers, fought back against the hijackers who seized United Airlines Flight 93. She died when the flight crashed into a field in Pennsylvania. A statue of her sits in her hometown of Fort Pierce, Florida.
CeeCee Lyles | |
|---|---|
Lyles in her flight attendant's uniform, early 2001. | |
| Born | November 26, 1967 |
| Died | September 11, 2001 (aged 33) |
Cause of death | Plane crash during the September 11 attacks |
| Occupations | Flight attendant, former police detective |
| Known for | United Airlines Flight 93 |
| Children | 4 |
| Awards | Congressional Gold Medal |
Biography
Lyles was born on November 26, 1967[1] in Fort Pierce.[2] She attended Fort Pierce Westwood Academy,[3] and spent six years working in the police department of Fort Pierce, Florida,[1] starting as a patrol officer and eventually becoming a detective. She gained a reputation for being willing to step up to any challenge. However, she had long dreamed of becoming a flight attendant in order to travel,[4] and after moving to Fort Myers in 2000[3] when her husband became a police officer there,[5] in January 2001 completed her training to become a flight attendant with United Airlines.[4]
She was a flight attendant on United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. She left a voicemail for her husband, stating in part "They've hijacked the plane... I'm trying to be calm. We've turned around and I've heard that there's been planes that have flown into the World Trade Center. I hope to be able to see your face again, baby. I love you, bye."[6]
She then participated in the planning, along with the rest of the passengers and crew, to fight back against the hijackers, including using boiling water.[7] Her husband later called back, and they prayed together briefly, before she ended the call with "We're getting ready to do it now. It's happening!" She went on to, along with the passengers and remaining crew, storm the cockpit of the plane.[6] The plane ultimately crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, killing everyone onboard. Their fight, however, is attributed with preventing the flight from making it to Washington, D.C. to crash into a crowded building.[7]
Personal life
Legacy
A statue of her was unveiled on November 28, 2003 in Fort Pierce, where she was described as a "hometown hero" by State Senator Ken Pruitt.[5] Memorial ceremonies have been held for her in Fort Pierce every year on September 11,[10] as of 2025,[11] though the 2022 ceremony was virtual.[12] She received a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal for her actions on United Airlines Flight 93.[13]