Discovery Channel Survivor Story Special THE 9/11 SURFER Airs Today, 9/11

"THE 9/11 SURFER" documents what could be the last, untold survival story from the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States. This documentary tells the true story of 9/11 survivor Pasquale Buzzelli who "rode" a blizzard of falling debris from a 22nd floor stairwell and lived to tell his story. Watch as this detailed account of how Mr. Buzzelli survived provides a hopeful story from one of America's darkest days. Narrated by NBC's Willie Geist, THE 9/11 SURFER" premieres tonight, September 11 at 10 PM ET/PT.

Mr. Buzzelli, a structural engineer with Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, was in his office on the 64th floor of the North Tower as the September 11th attacks began. He spoke to his wife several times on the telephone before he began his evacuation after the South Tower fell. As he evacuated, the 110-story tower began to collapse leading him to crouch down and hug the stairwell wall. His next memory was waking up hours later on "the pile" - a stack of debris seven stories high. The firemen who rescued Mr. Buzzelli shared his story of survival with the media and others who cared for him that day. However, Mr. Buzzelli did not come forward to the press, which led his story to become labeled as an urban legend by the public.

For the first time on national television, Mr. Buzzelli recalls the events of Sept. 11, 2001. The documentary also features interviews with his wife Louise Buzzelli; the firefighters, Mike Lyons, Mike Morabito and Jim Kiesling, who braved the dangers of scaling "the pile" to save him; and forensic scientists and physicists, among others, who discuss the science and other elements that led to Mr. Buzzelli's ability to survive the collapse of the North Tower. The special also shows video from one of the many reunions between Mr. Buzzelli and the firefighters who saved his life that day as they celebrate second chances.

"THE 9/11 SURFER" is produced for Discovery Channel by Testimony Films and Steve Humphries serves as Executive Producer. For Discovery Channel, executive producer is Robert Zakin with Meghan Keener and John Cavanagh.

To learn more, go to www.discovery.com, on Facebook at Facebook.com/discovery and on Twitter @Discovery.

Discovery Channel is dedicated to creating the highest quality non-fiction content that informs and entertains its consumers about the world in all its wonder, diversity and amazement. The network, which is distributed to 100.1 million U.S. homes, can be seen in over 180 countries, offering a signature mix of compelling, high-end production values and vivid cinematography across genres including, science and technology, exploration, adventure, history and in-depth, behind-the-scenes glimpses at the people, places and organizations that shape and share our world.

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.8 billion cumulative subscribers in 209 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through 149 worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as U.S. joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, The Hub and 3net, the first 24-hour 3D network. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools and owns and operates a diversified portfolio of digital media services, including Revision3. For more information, visit www.discoverycommunications.com.

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