In a devastating incident on Saturday, October 4, 2025, two young girls lost their lives while reportedly engaging in the dangerous activity known as "subway surfing" atop a moving New York City subway train. The tragic event occurred on a Brooklyn-bound J train, where the bodies of the two victims were discovered, according to a spokesperson for the New York Police Department (NYPD). Authorities have not yet confirmed the ages of the girls, but the incident has sent shockwaves through the city, prompting renewed calls for awareness about the lethal risks associated with this reckless behavior.
Subway surfing, a dangerous trend that involves individuals riding on the exterior of moving subway trains—often on the roof, between cars, or clinging to the sides—has been a growing concern in New York City. The practice, which has gained attention in recent years, particularly among young people, is not only illegal but also extraordinarily hazardous. The deaths of these two girls underscore the grim consequences of this activity, which authorities and transit officials have repeatedly warned against.
Demetrius Crichlow, President of NYC Transit, described the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy that has left both the families of the victims and transit workers deeply shaken. In a poignant statement, Crichlow emphasized the fatal risks of subway surfing, urging the public to recognize the gravity of the act. “It’s heartbreaking that two young girls are gone because they somehow thought riding outside a subway train was an acceptable game,” he said. “Parents, teachers, and friends need to be clear with loved ones: getting on top of a subway car isn’t ‘surfing’ — it’s suicide.”
Crichlow’s words reflect the urgency of addressing this dangerous trend, which has claimed lives and caused significant distress to those who witness or respond to such incidents. Transit workers, who are often the first to encounter the aftermath of subway surfing accidents, face emotional and psychological tolls as they navigate the consequences of these preventable tragedies. The loss of these two young lives serves as a stark reminder of the need for collective action to deter others from engaging in such perilous behavior.
The incident has also drawn attention from public figures, including New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased. Mamdani called the event “a stark reminder of the dangers of subway surfing,” highlighting the need for increased awareness and preventive measures to protect young people from the allure of this deadly activity. His statement underscores the broader societal responsibility to educate and guide youth away from reckless behaviors that put their lives at risk.
Subway surfing is not a new phenomenon in New York City, but its persistence has raised alarm among city officials, law enforcement, and transit authorities. The activity is often fueled by a combination of thrill-seeking, peer pressure, and the influence of social media, where videos of individuals riding on top of trains are sometimes shared, glamorizing the dangerous act. These videos can create a false sense of excitement and invincibility, particularly among impressionable young people who may not fully grasp the life-threatening consequences.
The NYPD and NYC Transit have been working to combat subway surfing through a combination of enforcement, education, and public awareness campaigns. Law enforcement has increased patrols in areas where subway surfing is known to occur, and transit officials have issued repeated warnings about the dangers of riding outside trains. However, the persistence of the practice suggests that more comprehensive efforts are needed to address the root causes and prevent further tragedies.
One of the challenges in curbing subway surfing is its appeal to youth seeking adventure or social recognition. The accessibility of New York City’s subway system, which operates 24/7 and serves millions of passengers daily, makes it a tempting stage for such risky behaviors. The J train, where this incident occurred, is part of the city’s extensive subway network, which spans all five boroughs and includes hundreds of miles of track. While the subway is a vital lifeline for New Yorkers, its infrastructure—designed for safe and efficient transportation—poses significant dangers when misused.
The tragic deaths of these two girls have reignited discussions about how to effectively address subway surfing. Community leaders, educators, and parents are being called upon to play a more active role in educating young people about the dangers of this activity. Schools and community organizations could incorporate discussions about subway safety into their programs, emphasizing the irreversible consequences of engaging in such reckless behavior. Additionally, social media platforms could take steps to limit the spread of videos that glorify subway surfing, reducing the visibility of this dangerous trend.
Transit authorities are also exploring ways to enhance safety measures within the subway system. This could include increasing surveillance at stations and on trains, improving barriers to prevent access to train roofs, and working with law enforcement to identify and intervene in areas where subway surfing is prevalent. However, these measures must be balanced with the need to maintain an accessible and efficient transit system for millions of daily riders.
The emotional impact of this tragedy extends beyond the families of the victims to the broader New York City community. Subway surfing incidents not only result in loss of life but also disrupt transit operations, causing delays and distress for passengers and workers. The psychological toll on transit employees, who may witness or respond to these incidents, cannot be understated. Support services for workers and first responders are critical in helping them cope with the trauma of such events.
As the city mourns the loss of these two young girls, there is a collective call to action to prevent future tragedies. Parents are urged to talk to their children about the dangers of subway surfing, emphasizing that it is not a game or a harmless thrill but a life-threatening act. Teachers and community leaders can reinforce this message by fostering open conversations about peer pressure and the importance of making safe choices. Meanwhile, transit officials and law enforcement must continue their efforts to deter subway surfing through enforcement and public outreach.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of protecting the city’s youth from dangerous trends. The loss of these two girls is a tragedy that will resonate with their families, friends, and the entire New York City community for years to come. Their deaths are a call to action for all stakeholders—parents, educators, transit officials, and policymakers—to work together to ensure that no more lives are lost to subway surfing.
In the wake of this tragedy, the city must come together to honor the memory of these young girls by taking meaningful steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. Whether through stronger enforcement, enhanced safety measures, or targeted education campaigns, the goal must be to eliminate subway surfing and protect the safety of all New Yorkers. As Demetrius Crichlow so powerfully stated, riding outside a subway train is not a game—it is a deadly risk that no one should take.
