Deadly Subway Surfing Trend Claims Two Lives in NYC

A dangerous viral trend called “subway surfing” has tragically claimed the lives of two teenage girls in New York City. The teens attempted the risky stunt by riding on top of moving subway cars, sparking widespread concern among authorities and the public. NYC officials have issued warnings and increased patrols to prevent further accidents. The incident highlights the growing influence of viral challenges on youth and the urgent need for safety awareness.

Two teenage girls tragically lost their lives in New York City while participating in subway surfing. This dangerous trend on social media continues to result in fatalities. In response, authorities have stepped up patrols and removed numerous related videos from online platforms. Both arrests and deaths linked to subway surfing have shown a rising pattern. Officials continue to caution the public against engaging in this activity. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has launched awareness campaigns. Despite repeated warnings, many young people still attempt subway surfing.

Subway surfing, a perilous trend fueled by social media, claimed two teenage victims in Brooklyn early on Saturday, October 4. According to The New York Times, the girls were found atop an incoming J train at the Marcy Avenue station, appearing to be victims of the risky practice.

Responding officers discovered the teens unconscious shortly after 3 a.m. on the roof of the train’s last car, which had just crossed the Williamsburg Bridge from Manhattan. They were pronounced dead at the scene, with their identities and ages not yet disclosed.

The NYPD has increased patrols along routes known for subway surfing, deploying field response teams and drones. ABC News reported that in July, officers carried out around 200 rescues, mainly involving teenagers, using these measures.

Authorities define “subway surfing” as riding on top of subway cars, a trend popularized on platforms like TikTok. While the practice has existed for nearly a century, its recent surge is largely driven by viral videos. Officials stress that standing or moving atop a subway is extremely dangerous, warning: “It’s not surfing, it’s suicide.” Nevertheless, videos showing teens walking, standing, or dancing on trains continue to circulate.

The MTA has urged social media platforms to remove content that glamorizes subway surfing, reporting over 1,800 such videos taken down in 2025. Public safety campaigns have also been launched, including messages like “Ride inside, stay alive,” voiced by local teens. This summer, the MTA partnered with city schools on a comic-book-style campaign to illustrate the risks and emotional impact of subway surfing on families.

Safety concerns are rising as over 300,000 New York City students rely on the subway for daily commuting. Subway surfing arrests increased to 229 in 2024, up from 135 the previous year, with most arrestees being boys averaging 14 years old; the youngest was nine. Deaths from subway surfing are also on the rise, with six fatalities reported in 2024 compared to five between 2018 and 2022.

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Source: ET‍