RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif. — Tom Frost’s daughter, Lisa Frost, was taken away from him 20 years ago.
Lisa Anne Frost was on board United Airlines flight 175 when it crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2011.
What You Need To Know
- Tom Frost's daughter, Lisa Anne Frost, was 22 years old when she boarded United Airlines Flight 175 which crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center
- In an effort to keep her story and legacy alive, Frost has shared her story to many outlets, events and gatherings
- A memorial plaque dedicated to Lisa Frost can be found by the Lago Santa Margarita Beach Club in Rancho Santa Margarita
- Lisa Frost was survived by her parents and brother
Frost, who raised his family in Rancho Santa Margarita, still remembers the last phone conversation he had with his daughter prior to her boarding.
“She got to the gate just 15 minutes before boarding time and said, ‘I’ll see you at LAX in a few hours’ and I said, ‘Yes. I get off at seven and I’m going to go home and nap for a little bit and I’ll come up and get you. Can’t wait. Love you. Love you, too,’” recalled Frost.
Neither made it to LAX.
“I had to watch my daughter die live on TV and not even know it at the time. They hadn’t sorted the planes yet. It’s something I’ll have to take with me for the rest of my life,” Frost said.
There is not a moment that passes that his daughter is not on his mind. He is surrounded by her in the form of mementos like a piece of steel from the World Trade Center and letters from the governor were given to him in her honor.
While these items carry a heavy weight, Frost sees them as a piece of history and a piece of her.
“It’s something I know Lisa would be proud of and I’m proud of her," Frost said. "I just want her to live on, as she should. She’s an American hero."
Lisa Anne Frost was 22 years old.
She had just graduated as the valedictorian of her class at Boston University. She was going to spend a few days with her family before moving into her own apartment.
Frost created a scholarship fund in Lisa’s honor. So far, they have helped 40 students from Trabuco High School where she graduated in 1998 and at Boston University.
“They all ascribe to a certain credo when that get that scholarship that they’re going to go on and do greater things,” Frost said.
In turn, they make the world a better place just like what his daughter wanted to do.
Frost’s daughter was taken from him 20 years ago, but her space in his mind and heart will never leave him.
More information on the Lisa Frost Memorial Scholarship Fund can be found here.