Sean, it's me... I just want to let you know I love you and I'm stuck in this building in New York.

@cnn

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SoundTikTok sound · original sound - cnn

Why it worked

The video leverages a deeply emotional and historically significant personal account to connect with viewers on a profound level. The raw, personal nature of the voicemail, combined with the tragic context of 9/11, creates a powerful and memorable viewing experience.

Summary

This video shares a poignant voicemail left by Melissa Hughes to her husband Sean on September 11, 2001, from the North Tower of the World Trade Center. In her final moments, she expresses her love and describes the chaotic situation around her.

Structure

1Introduction of the voicemail and sender
2Melissa's message of love and her situation
3Description of the event and surroundings
4Final declaration of love

On-screen text

Melissa Hughes 101st floor of the North Tower Voicemail to her husband, Sean Credit: Sean Hughes

Transcript

Sean, it's me... I just want to let you know I love you and I'm stuck in this building in New York. A plane hit the building or a bomb went off, we don't know, but there's lots of smoke. And I just wanted you to know that I love you always.

Original caption

On September 11, 2001, 2,977 people were killed when terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes, crashing them into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. This is one of the voicemail recordings left by a victim to a loved one in her final moments.