( CNN ) It 's been more than 13 years since 2,753 people were reported missing in lower Manhattan after the attacks on the World Trade Center . Although death certificates have been issued for all 2,753 , the work to identify each victim continues . In fact , it 's far from over : Some 40 % of the victims have not yet been identified , according to the city 's Office of Chief Medical Examiner . The most recent identified victim is Matthew Yarnell , a 26-year-old New Jersey native who worked for Fiduciary Trust on the 97th floor of the South Tower . Yarnell 's mother said Friday that the news `` was a bit of a shock , '' but that it means that she can `` finally put everything to rest . '' `` It kind of opened up all of the old wounds and old pains initially , '' Michele Yarnell told CNN 's Brooke Baldwin . `` I guess it kind of put to rest any -- I would n't say doubt -- ( because ) we were n't doubtful about the outcome , but it kind of gave us closure . '' According to the medical examiner , Yarnell 's DNA samples were recovered during the original recovery effort from 2001 to 2002 . Until this week , they resided with other remains that have not been identified . A recent retesting , however , yielded a new result . `` Every time there 's a new development in a DNA processing or technique , they go back and they recheck every single remain that they have in the repository at the museum , '' she told Baldwin . `` And this time ( Matthew 's ) matched . '' The identification of Yarnell puts the total number of identifications from the World Trade Center at 1,640 , meaning there are still 1,113 more to go . Daunting , but not insurmountable . `` The ME 's office is not going to give up , '' Michelle Yarnell said . `` I hope for everyone that lost a loved one there , that they 'll have that closure someday , and , hopefully , sooner rather than later . ''
DNA identifies remains of 9/11 victim more than 13 years later . Matthew Yarnell , 26 , is the 1,640 victim ID 'd from the World Trade Center . 2,753 died in the attack on the buildings .