Two teenage girls die while attempting subway surfing on a Brooklyn train.
Two teenage girls tragically lost their lives while engaging in the dangerous activity known as “subway surfing.” This incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, October 4, 2025, as they rode atop a J train approaching the Marcy Avenue subway station in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Police reported that the girls, estimated to be between the ages of 13 and 15, were discovered on the roof of the train at approximately 3:10 a.m.
Authorities indicated that both teenagers were pronounced dead on the Queens-bound train. Their identities have not yet been disclosed as law enforcement works to notify their relatives. The investigation into their deaths is being treated as a fatality related to subway surfing, a trend that has garnered increased attention and concern in the city’s transit system.
In response to the incident, train services along the J line experienced disruptions between the Myrtle Avenue and Delancey Street-Essex Street stations for several hours. Normal operations resumed around 7 a.m. as detectives completed their on-site inquiries.
This incident is part of a troubling phenomenon, with at least three fatalities related to subway surfing occurring in the city since July 4, when a 15-year-old boy died in a similar scenario while riding on top of a No. 7 train. In June, a different case involved a 14-year-old boy from the Bronx who sustained critical injuries after falling from a northbound No. 5 train.
In an effort to combat this hazardous behavior, both the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) have implemented various measures. The MTA launched a campaign titled “Ride Inside and Stay Alive,” aimed at educating young people about the risks of riding on top of subway cars. The campaign features BMX athlete Nigel Sylvester, encouraging safer modes of transportation.
Additionally, the NYPD has deployed drones along above-ground subway lines to monitor and discourage subway surfers. Since the introduction of this surveillance method, law enforcement has apprehended approximately 200 individuals engaging in this risky pastime.
Transit officials have expressed their heartbreak over the recent fatalities, urging parents, educators, and peers to reinforce the dangers associated with such activities. NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow emphasized the need for awareness, stating that climbing atop a subway car can have fatal consequences. The tragedy of these young girls serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks related to subway surfing, which is far from what participants may perceive as a harmless thrill. Authorities continue to reflect on the impact of these events as they prioritize the safety of all subway riders.
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