Two Teenage Girls Die in Suspected Subway Surfing Accident in Brooklyn

Two Teenage Girls Die in Suspected Subway Surfing Incident in New York City

Two teenage girls were found dead on top of a J train at the Marcy Avenue station in Brooklyn early Saturday, October 4th, in what authorities suspect was a subway surfing incident. This deadly trend, fueled by social media, continues to plague New York City youth.

Details of the Incident

Officers responded to a 911 call at approximately 3:10 a.m. and discovered the two girls unconscious and unresponsive on the roof of the train. They were pronounced dead at the scene. The identities of the victims have not yet been released. The train had just crossed the Williamsburg Bridge from Manhattan.

The Dangers of Subway Surfing

Subway surfing, defined as riding atop or hanging off the sides of moving subway trains, has existed for over a century. However, its recent surge in popularity, driven by sensational videos on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, has led to a significant increase in deaths and injuries, particularly among teenagers.

Rising Fatalities and Arrests

According to police data, three people had died attempting subway surfing through August of this year, including a 15-year-old boy found on top of a 7 train in Queensboro Plaza in July. In 2024, six individuals died, up from five in 2023. By contrast, only five people died in suspected incidents between 2018 and 2022. The NYPD has also reported 128 subway surfing-related arrests so far this year, compared to 162 in 2024.

Official Response and Prevention Efforts

City and state officials, along with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), have intensified efforts to discourage young people from subway surfing. Since 2023, the police have deployed drones to identify and apprehend subway surfers. The MTA has also collaborated with social media platforms to remove videos showcasing the dangerous practice. The MTA has also launched a “Ride Inside, Stay Alive” campaign. Rapper Cardi B, a Bronx native, recently voiced public service announcements for the subway.

Statements from Officials

Demetrius Crichlow, President of New York City Transit, expressed his grief, stating, "It’s heartbreaking that two young girls are gone because they somehow thought riding outside a subway train was an acceptable game. Parents, teachers, and friends need to be clear with loved ones: getting on top of a subway car isn’t 'surfing' — it’s suicide." Governor Kathy Hochul also shared her condolences on X, reiterating the deadly consequences of subway surfing.

Remembering Past Victims

The recent tragedy underscores the ongoing threat posed by subway surfing. In February 2023, Zackery Nazario, 15, died while subway surfing after hitting a steel beam. In January 2024, Alam Reyes, 14, fell off a train and died. These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers and devastating consequences of this reckless behavior.