by Queens, New York — A 15-year-old boy has died after allegedly riding on top of a New York City subway train in Queens, marking the latest tragedy linked to the dangerous trend known as “subway surfing.”
The New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed that officers responded to a call at the Queensboro Plaza subway station around 2:45 a.m. on Friday, July 4, for a male in need of medical aid.
Upon arrival, officers found the teenager unconscious and unresponsive. He was transported to Bellevue Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, authorities said. The boy’s identity has not been released as the investigation remains ongoing.
Dangerous Trend Turns Deadly
Law enforcement sources revealed that the teen had been riding on top of a southbound 7 train when he fell as the train approached the Queensboro Plaza station. Video and images obtained by local media outlets showed emergency responders using ladders to retrieve the injured boy from the top of the train before rushing him to the hospital.
This tragic incident comes just one month after another teen, a 14-year-old boy, was critically injured while subway surfing in the Bronx. That teenager also fell from a moving train and suffered traumatic injuries.
A Growing Concern
The city has seen a troubling rise in subway surfing incidents in recent years. According to NYPD data:
- From 2018 to 2022, there were five fatalities linked to subway surfing.
- In 2023, five people died as a result of the dangerous stunt.
- So far in 2024, six people have already lost their lives in subway surfing-related incidents.
Officials Urge Teens to Stay Off Train Roofs
In June, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), and NYC public schools launched a campaign aimed at discouraging young people from participating in subway surfing.
“Nothing is more important to me than keeping New Yorkers safe,” Hochul said at the time. “Young New Yorkers will hear directly from peers and role models about the extreme dangers of subway surfing. The message is clear: ride inside and stay alive.”
Despite these efforts, the number of fatalities continues to rise, leaving families and communities mourning and officials urging greater awareness and caution.
What Happens Next
The NYPD’s investigation into the latest incident is ongoing. Meanwhile, officials continue to warn of the extreme dangers associated with subway surfing and urge parents, schools, and communities to talk to teens about the life-threatening consequences.
