‘I’m coming home’: Last words haunt a 9/11 daughter 25 years later as she builds a legacy in his honor

Kayla Fallon Smith’s father, William Lawrence Fallon Jr., was killed in the 9/11 attacks, his last words to his wife being “I’m getting out. I’m coming home.” Now 33, Smith, who was 8 at the time, has turned her grief into purpose by founding Trails of Purpose, a nonprofit offering free mental health counseling and equine-assisted therapy. The organization has provided 30,000 hours of therapy to military members, veterans, and first responders.

• William Lawrence Fallon Jr., an IT manager for Cantor Fitzgerald, was killed in the 9/11 attacks at age 38.
• His last words to his wife were, “I’m getting out. I’m coming home,” before she was told to turn on the news.
• His daughter, Kayla Fallon Smith, was 8 years old when he died and now, at 33, still finds grief challenging.
• Smith founded Trails of Purpose, a nonprofit offering free mental health counseling and equine-assisted therapy.
• The organization aims to help military members, veterans, first responders, and their families.
• Trails of Purpose has provided 30,000 hours of free services.