Richard Eichen

  • Survivor

Escaped from 90th floor of the North Tower minutes before it collapsed. 

This story was filmed as part of our 2026 9/11 Anniversary Digital Learning Experience, which introduces students to first-person accounts of the attacks. To participate in our next Digital Learning Experience, visit this page.

Teaching Guides

Find tailored questions below for teaching this story.

As you listen to Richard's story, consider the following questions:

  • Describe Richard’s morning on 9/11. What happened when he reached the 90th floor?

  • How did Richard help Lucy exit the 90th floor? 

  • Richard says that 9/11 forced him to think about where he wanted his life to go and to be grateful for every day. What is something you are grateful for today? 

As you listen to Richard’s story, consider the following questions:

  • Describe Richard’s morning on 9/11. What happened when he reached the 90th floor? 

  • Richard and Lucy faced different challenges as they tried to evacuate the North Tower. What challenges did they work through? 

  • How does Richard say 9/11 changed his perspective on life? Has hearing Richard’s story changed or added to your perspective about the events of 9/11 in any way? 

As you listen to Richard’s story, consider the following questions:

  • Describe Richard’s morning on 9/11. What happened when he reached the 90th floor? Who did he meet? 

  • How did Richard convince Lucy to leave the 90th floor of the North Tower? What challenges did they face? 

  • How does Richard say 9/11 changed his perspective on life? How has hearing Richard’s story changed or added to your perspective about the events of 9/11? 

Additional Resources

Learn more about Richard’s story in our MEMO Blog posts When Every Step Mattered: A 9/11 Survivor’s Story and 9/11 Survivors Reunite at Survivor Tree 10 Years Later.  f you’re interested in hearing from more survivors, return to our DLE Archive.  

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