In a heartbreaking incident that has reignited concerns over dangerous social media stunts, two teenage girls were found dead early Saturday morning atop a J train at the Marcy Avenue subway station in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Authorities believe the deaths were the result of a subway surfing attempt—a perilous trend that involves riding on the outside of moving subway cars.
🚨 The Incident
New York City police responded to a 911 call around 3:10 a.m. on October 4. Upon arrival, officers discovered the girls—unconscious and unresponsive—on the roof of a train that had just crossed the Williamsburg Bridge from Manhattan. Both were pronounced dead at the scene, having sustained fatal head trauma.
Their identities have not yet been released, but one of the victims was reportedly just 13 years old.
📉 A Deadly Trend
Subway surfing has surged in popularity, fueled by viral videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Despite repeated warnings from city officials and transit authorities, the stunt continues to claim lives. According to NYPD data, at least three people have died from subway surfing in 2025 alone, with 16 fatalities and 21 injuries reported over the past three years.
NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow condemned the behavior, stating:
🛑 City Response
Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her sorrow and urgency in a statement:
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has ramped up its “Ride Inside, Stay Alive” campaign, featuring BMX athlete Nigel Sylvester to discourage risky behavior. The NYPD has also deployed drones to monitor subway lines and intercept potential surfers.
💔 Community Impact
Transit workers who discovered the bodies were reportedly “horribly shaken,” and families of the victims are left devastated. Emely Oliver, whose brother died from subway surfing three months ago, said:
🔍 Ongoing Investigation
Police are investigating whether social media posts may have influenced the girls’ actions. The Marcy Avenue station was temporarily shut down during the response, but service has since resumed.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the lethal consequences of subway surfing and the urgent need for education, awareness, and enforcement to prevent further loss of life.