Family of 15-year-old boy who died while subway surfing in Queens says he was influenced by negative peers.

The tragic death of a 15-year-old Bronx boy while attempting to subway surf has raised concerns about peer influence and safety among youth in New York City. Carlos Oliver died early Friday morning after falling onto the subway tracks at the Queensboro Plaza station in Long Island City around 2:45 a.m. While investigators are still determining the exact circumstances of his fall, they believe it may have occurred either as he attempted to climb onto the top of a No. 7 train or due to a loss of balance as the train approached the station.

Carlos’s sister, Emely Oliver, expressed her belief that her brother was likely swayed by his peers to engage in this dangerous activity. She characterized him as a shy and quiet individual who began associating with a crowd that led him down an unfortunate path. Emely emphasized the family’s ongoing effort to support Carlos, stating they sought help whenever he went missing and worked with school authorities to address changes in his behavior.

After falling, Carlos was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where he eventually succumbed to his injuries. Emely described the family’s shock and inability to prepare for such a devastating loss. She remarked on the lack of awareness among teens regarding the serious risks associated with subway surfing, a trend that has recently gained attention for its dangerous repercussions.

In a separate but related incident last month, a 14-year-old boy sustained critical injuries while engaging in subway surfing in the Bronx, underscoring the increasing prevalence of this risky behavior. Cases of subway surfing, where individuals ride on top of moving trains, have led to injuries and fatalities, prompting authorities to take action.

In response to the rising incidents, both the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the New York Police Department (NYPD) have intensified their efforts to discourage subway surfing. Initiatives include the “Ride Inside and Stay Alive” campaign, featuring BMX athlete Nigel Sylvester, alongside strategic surveillance measures such as the deployment of drones along above-ground subway lines.

As this issue continues to escalate, it is imperative for families, communities, and authorities to unite in addressing the dangers of subway surfing. Engaging youth in educational discussions about the potential consequences of such activities can help promote safer behaviors and prevent future tragedies.