Subway surfing incidents are increasingly resulting in fatalities, and disturbing videos of these accidents are making the rounds online.
Yet, despite the risks, some young people remain undeterred. It seems that for them, the dangerous stakes somehow enhance the allure of chasing trends on platforms like TikTok.
“Many just want their moment of fame,” shared Ray, a 17-year-old from the Bronx.
A particularly tragic incident happened on May 22, when two teenagers fell from a J train traveling towards oncoming traffic on the Williamsburg Bridge, an event caught on camera by an onlooker.
In that accident, 14-year-old Aki Butler lost his life instantly, while an 18-year-old was hospitalized in critical condition. In a similar fashion, last October, two 13-year-old girls also died while attempting to surf the subway in that same area.
According to MTA statistics, subway surfing has surged by 200% in two years, largely fueled by social media. In 2024 alone, there were seven recorded deaths related to it, and five more were anticipated for 2025.
Holly Schiff, a clinical psychologist, noted that locations like the Williamsburg Bridge attract surfers due to their striking visuals.
“The skyline views and height create a cinematic vibe,” she explained, emphasizing the appeal of capturing engaging content.
This station is also uniquely lengthy, linking Manhattan’s Delancey Street/Essex Street with Brooklyn’s Marcy Avenue, and offers panoramic views of both boroughs.
However, many safer alternatives present the same views, eliminating the risks associated with electrocution or serious injury from falling while surfing.
Isa Islam, who lost her eyesight while subway surfing as a teenager, recounted the adrenaline rush being a big draw.
“The thrill was real, but looking back, it wasn’t worth it. It’s like self-harm,” he candidly remarked.
Some surfers describe the experience as exhilarating, even relating it to art and self-expression.
Startlingly, many surfers are quite young. Recent statistics revealed that over 60 repeat offenders included kids as young as 10. Some were reportedly suspended shortly after the recent tragedy, highlighting a concerning desensitization to risks among some teens.
One of the tragic victims was 12-year-old Zemfira Mukhtarov, whose body was discovered aboard a train last October.
Her mother, Natalya Rudenko, expressed confusion over her daughter’s actions, stating, “We had never heard of subway surfing. We thought she was just a studious child.” She lamented not understanding the factors contributing to her daughter’s decisions, noting that Zemfira had never shown interest in risky behavior.
Rudenko speculated that her daughter sought excitement, which led to her decisions.
The trend isn’t limited to the Williamsburg Bridge. Sources noted that almost any location with traffic poses risks for surfers, including other subway lines like the 7 train in Queens, particularly around Queensboro Plaza.
Schiff pointed out teenagers often underestimate danger. They might see negative incidents as challenges to overcome rather than warnings.
“Many think, ‘I can do it better,’” she said, highlighting a common mindset.
YouTuber Tommy G interviewed a subway surfer who claimed that safety warnings often prompt more curiosity among kids.
“Kids will seek it out. Just search for subway surfing on Instagram,” he noted, emphasizing how easily accessible this risky behavior is online.
A lawyer from the Social Media Victims Law Center described subway surfing as precisely the type of content that grabs attention due to its shocking nature.
A high school student in Manhattan commented that TikTok is inundated with surfers’ videos, showing beautiful city skylines but sparking comments that glorify the dangerous practice.
Despite concerns, Meta has stated they will remove videos promoting subway surfing once identified, and TikTok has blocked related search terms to mitigate the trend.
The MTA has initiated an anti-subway surfing campaign that features BMX athlete Nigel Sylvester, all in an attempt to curb this practice. The NYPD has employed various strategies, including drones, to tackle this growing issue.
According to Rudenko, enhancing surveillance and security at particularly dangerous stations is crucial.
“There are so many subway stations that need better oversight,” she urged. “Children should not be sneaking onto trains, and police need to be proactive in preventing tragedies. Our children’s safety should be the priority.”
