Two Girls Die On New York City Train After Dangerous 'Subway Surfing' Social Media Trend Turns Deadly

Two teenage girls have tragically died after being found on top of a moving New York City subway train early Saturday morning, October 4. The shocking discovery has once again drawn attention to the dangers of a social media trend that has already claimed several young lives.

According to police, officers responded to a 911 call around 3 a.m. at the Marcy Avenue station in Brooklyn, after reports of people seen riding on the roof of a train. When emergency services arrived, they found two young females lying unconscious and unresponsive on top of the subway car.

Paramedics attempted to assist, but both girls were pronounced dead at the scene. The heartbreaking incident has left investigators and city officials warning the public about the deadly consequences of risky online stunts.

Authorities have not released the victims’ names or exact ages, but New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow confirmed that the victims were “young girls.” He expressed deep sorrow over the incident and called for renewed awareness around the dangers of “subway surfing.”

Officials believe the tragedy is linked to a reckless trend spreading across social media, where teens are encouraged to climb on top of subway cars while filming themselves. The dangerous stunt has been responsible for multiple fatalities in recent years across the city’s transit system.

Back in June, New York City Mayor Eric Adams shared a stern warning on X (formerly Twitter), urging social media users to take the issue seriously. He wrote: "Social media must be socially responsible. Subway Surfing kills. We need everyone to be a part of ending this dangerous threat."

New York mayor Eric Adams previously issued a warning about subway surfing Adam Gray/Getty Images

Subway surfing refers to the act of riding on the outside of a moving train—either by holding onto the sides or standing and balancing on top of the car as it travels at high speed. Some do it for the thrill, while others film the stunt to post online for attention.

The dangers are obvious and severe. Anyone attempting this risks being electrocuted by overhead wires, struck by tunnels or structures, or thrown off by sudden turns and movements. Even the smallest misstep can lead to instant death or life-changing injury.

Although the practice has existed in various forms for decades, the rise of social media platforms has fueled a troubling resurgence. Videos glorifying the act continue to circulate, encouraging young people to chase viral moments at the expense of their safety.

Crichlow said in a statement: "It's heartbreaking that two young girls are gone because they somehow thought riding outside a subway train was an acceptable game."

"Parents, teachers, and friends need to be clear with loved ones: getting on top of a subway car isn't 'surfing' — it's suicide."

"I'm thinking of both the grieving families, and transit workers who discovered these children, all of whom have been horribly shaken by this tragedy." His words reflect the shared grief felt across the city, not only for the victims’ families but also for the subway workers who were confronted with the aftermath of the tragedy.

Two 'young girls' have been found dead Erik McGregor/LightRocket via Getty Images

In response to the deaths, New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani also expressed his condolences and frustration, saying: "My heart breaks for the families and loved ones of the two teenage girls who tragically lost their lives last night atop the J train."

Officials have repeatedly warned about the dangers of subway surfing. NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph M. Gulotta posted a statement on X earlier this year, emphasizing the life-threatening consequences of the behavior. He wrote: "The dangers of subway surfing are real & its consequences potentially life-altering."

"With our youngest & most impressionable NYers returning to the subways since the return to school, a reminder to those who'd consider this dangerous act - think twice." His reminder underscored the growing concern among city leaders as more young riders return to the subway after school resumed, often unaware of how deadly these actions can be.

According to police data, 229 people were arrested in 2024 for allegedly attempting or encouraging subway surfing—an alarming increase from 135 arrests recorded in the previous year. The rising numbers highlight how social media continues to drive risky behavior despite repeated safety campaigns and public warnings from officials.