Rockland native honors sister and 9/11 hero Welles Crowther with new book
Patrick Stapleton’s novel pays tribute to Welles Crowther’s legacy and the memory of his late sister, Danielle.
More Stories
A Rockland native is honoring both his late sister and 9/11 hero Welles Crowther through a newly published book.
West Nyack native Patrick Stapleton is the author of "The Last 'I Love You,'" a fiction novel about two sisters that incorporates Crowther’s legacy.
Known as the “Man in the Red Bandana,” Crowther was 24 years old when he saved 18 people during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks before losing his own life while helping others 25 years ago.
Stapleton was a child when he first met Crowther, who was then a Boston College lacrosse athlete. Stapleton's sister, Danielle, was the team's manager.
Crowther signed a lacrosse ball for Patrick.
Years later, Stapleton returned the ball to Crowther’s family and said the experience inspired him to help carry on Crowther’s story.
He reached out recently to let them know he wanted to write a book.
"Welles and the other heroes of 9/11 are who we should always want to celebrate, talk about and emulate, no matter what day it is," said Stapleton. "A date should never be a deadline for telling their story."
Stapleton said the book is also a tribute to his sister, Danielle, who died in 2021 following a health issue.
"The Last 'I Love You,'" is available for purchase through Amazon.
