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Topics: Social Media, US News, New York
Callum Jones
Two girls have died after they were found dead on top of a New York City subway train on Saturday morning (October 4).
Police in the Big Apple responded to a 911 call at around 3am on Saturday morning at the Marcy Avenue stop in Brooklyn.
Upon arrival, they found two unconscious and unresponsive females who were pronounced dead at the scene by healthcare professionals.
Authorities have not detailed the identities or ages of the deceased, though New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow confirmed it was 'young girls' involved in the incident.
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The tragedy has lead to officials issuing a warning surrounding 'subway surfing', a trend reportedly fuelled by social media that has cost the lives of others on the New York network system.
Eric Adams, the Mayor of New York City, wrote on Twitter back in June: "Social media must be socially responsible. Subway Surfing kills. We need everyone to be a part of ending this dangerous threat."
Subway surfing involves riding on the outside of moving trains, whether that be holding on the side, or more typically, on top of these subway vehicles.
The obvious dangers from this trend involve electrical hazards, sudden train movements, and falling onto the tracks.
While subway surfing has seemingly been around for a while, some people criticise social media for its resurgence.
Crichlow said in a statement: "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.
"I’m thinking of both the grieving families, and transit workers who discovered these children, all of whom have been horribly shaken by this tragedy."
Meanwhile, Zohran Mamdani, a New York City mayoral candidate, said: "My heart breaks for the families and loved ones of the two teenage girls who tragically lost their lives last night atop the J train."
Previous warnings have been issued regarding subway surfing, including from NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph M. Gulotta, who penned on X in 2024: "The dangers of subway surfing are real & its consequences potentially life-altering.
"With our youngest & most impressionable NYers returning to the subways since the return to school, a reminder to those who’d consider this dangerous act - think twice."
The New York Police Department detained 229 alleged subway surfing suspects in 2024, which was up from 135 the year before.