Two Teen Girls Killed in Subway Surfing Incident in Brooklyn

Tragedy struck in Brooklyn when two teenage girls, including a 13-year-old, lost their lives in what authorities believe was a severe subway surfing accident early Saturday morning.

The incident marks the fifth subway surfing death this year, bringing the total close to the six fatalities recorded in 2024 and matching the fatalities from 2023 caused by similar stunts.

Police responded around 3:10 a.m. to the Marcy Avenue-Broadway station in Williamsburg, discovering the girls unconscious atop a Brooklyn-bound J train. Despite emergency efforts, they were pronounced dead at the scene. The second girl’s age is estimated to be between 13 and 18.

Authorities highlight the dangerous nature of subway surfing, which has gained notoriety through social media videos. “Getting on top of a subway car isn’t ‘surfing’—it’s suicide,” said NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow, emphasizing the risks and urging parents and educators to warn youth about the deadly trend.

Inside the station, officers spoke with threeteen boys; two were taken away in a cruiser, but it remains unclear if they are connected to the victims. Additionally, responders carried away possible evidence, including a plastic bag and skateboard, though their relevance has not been confirmed.

Rise in Dangerous Subway Surfing

This deadly trend has been escalating over recent years, fueled by social media sharing of stunts. Between 2018 and 2022, only five fatalities were recorded, but incidents have since increased, with recent accidents, including a 15-year-old boy who fell to his death in Queens on July 4, and several others injured.

Authorities continue efforts to combat the dangerous activity. The NYPD has deployed drones since late 2023, resulting in over 200 arrests for subway surfing and related outside-train riding cases in 2024 alone, alongside campaigns urging safe riding practices.