IRS employee dies from World Trade Center attack injuries

A Boston IRS employee injured by falling debris during the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on New York's World Trade Center died Tuesday at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. David Bernard, 57, died from the massive injuries he sustained after being struck by falling debris when American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, according to Sue McGreevey, a spokeswoman for the hospital. Bernard was transferred from New York to the Boston hospital last week. He died three months to the day after the attack. IRS Commissioner Charles O. Rossotti called Bernard's passing "a great loss and tragedy for the entire service." "We mourn the loss of our loyal friend and steadfast colleague," Rossotti said. "We grieve for a member of our extended family." Bernard, a technical adviser with the IRS, was in New York on Sept. 11 for work reasons. He was on his way to the World Trade Center to attend a meeting when he was hit by debris, sustaining massive injuries to his lungs and spinal cord. The IRS had audit teams in the twin towers at the time of the attack, but all members of the teams made it out safely. Bernard is survived by his wife, Nancy and three children. Funeral services will be held Dec. 15 in Chelmsford, Mass. For information on donations to the family and the CR Paralysis Fund, go to the National Treasury Employees Union, Chapter 47 Web site.