Roberts ' sister-in-law , Debbie Mayer , worked in the south tower on the 56th floor at New York City 's World Trade Center . Immediately after American Airlines Flight 11 ( the first aircraft of the September 11 , 2001 , attacks ) struck the north tower , Mayer began going downstairs to leave the building . She had gotten to the 29th floor when the second aircraft struck , hitting the building she worked in . However , Mayer escaped safely before the towers collapsed
American Airlines Flight 11
American Airlines Flight 11
Jimmy Roberts