Two teenage girls died in Brooklyn after a suspected subway surfing incident. Learn how NYC officials are cracking down on this deadly social media trend.
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Subway Surfing Blamed for Deaths of Two Teen Girls in New York
Two teenage girls were found dead atop a subway train in Brooklyn early on October 4, in what police believe was a tragic case of subway surfing — a deadly social media trend involving climbing onto moving trains.
Authorities say the incident occurred around 3:10 a.m. at the Marcy Avenue station, shortly after the J train crossed the Williamsburg Bridge from Manhattan. Responding officers found the girls unconscious and unresponsive atop the train car. They were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD).
NYPD Investigates Deadly Trend Among Teens
The NYPD confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing, including whether the victims had posted any videos or social media content before the incident. Families of the victims are still being notified.
Earlier the same day, a 14-year-old boy was hospitalized after falling from a Manhattan-bound 7 train in Queens, highlighting a growing pattern of dangerous subway surfing incidents.
Since 2022, when the NYPD began tracking such cases, at least three people have died in 2025 from subway surfing, following six fatalities in 2024 and five in 2023.
Officials Warn: ‘Subway Surfing Isn’t a Game — It’s Suicide’
“It’s heartbreaking that two young girls are gone because they somehow thought riding outside a subway train was an acceptable game,” said Demetrius Crichlow, President of New York City Transit.
“Parents, teachers, and friends need to be clear: getting on top of a subway car isn’t ‘surfing’—it’s suicide.”
The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) has worked with platforms such as TikTok and Instagram to remove subway surfing videos. According to MTA data, over 1,800 videos were taken down by mid-2025.
NYC’s Efforts to Stop the Deadly Trend
City and state officials launched the “Subway Surfing Kills – Ride Inside, Stay Alive” campaign in 2023 to raise awareness among teens. The initiative included public service announcements, school outreach programs, and celebrity messages.
Rapper Cardi B, a Bronx native, lent her voice to MTA announcements warning against the act. The NYPD has also deployed drones to monitor subway lines and identify potential subway surfers.
In addition, New York City has sued five social media companies, accusing them of contributing to harmful youth behaviors, including subway surfing and online challenges that encourage risky acts.
The Role of Social Media and Parental Awareness
Experts say that part of the issue lies in viral social media challenges, where young users chase online validation without understanding the life-threatening risks.
Parents and teachers are urged to discuss digital responsibility and real-world consequences of such stunts. Campaigns encouraging youth mental health awareness and safe social media habits can help prevent future tragedies.
❓ FAQs About Subway Surfing and Teen Safety
Q1: What is subway surfing?
A: Subway surfing involves climbing onto the outside of a moving train, often to record videos for social media. It’s illegal and extremely dangerous.
Q2: Why is subway surfing trending again in NYC?
A: The trend resurfaced through viral social media posts and peer challenges, despite ongoing awareness campaigns by city officials.
Q3: What penalties exist for subway surfing in New York?
A: Offenders can face fines, arrest, and permanent injuries or death. The NYPD actively patrols and monitors train lines to prevent such acts.
Q4: How are authorities tackling this issue?
A: NYC Transit, the MTA, and the NYPD have launched campaigns, increased surveillance, and partnered with social media platforms to remove related content.
Q5: What can parents do to prevent these tragedies?
A: Talk openly with teens about online peer pressure, promote responsible digital behavior, and monitor social media activity using parental control tools.
Conclusion: Awareness Is the Only Lifeline
The tragic deaths of two teen girls in Brooklyn underscore the lethal reality of subway surfing. What begins as a dare or a moment of online thrill-seeking often ends in irreversible loss.
As NYC officials intensify efforts to combat the trend, families, schools, and tech companies must work together to promote digital awareness, emotional safety, and responsible behavior online.
🚇 Stay Inside. Stay Alive. No View Is Worth a Life.