14-Year-Old Dies After Falling From Subway Train on Williamsburg Bridge

A 14-year-old boy died and an 18-year-old was critically injured after falling from the top of a New York City subway train while crossing the Williamsburg Bridge on Friday. The two teens were riding on top of a J train when the 14-year-old fell from the bridge into a lot near Delancey Street and Lewis Street, police said.

The 18-year-old fell onto the tracks at the same location. Both were taken to Bellevue Hospital. The 14-year-old was pronounced dead there, and the 18-year-old remained in critical condition as of Saturday.

Background on subway surfing incidents Officials have reported an increase in people riding outside trains in recent years. There were 928 such reports in 2022, compared with 490 in 2019. Last year five people died in subway surfing incidents. As of May 23 this year, police recorded one subway surfing fatality and made 75 related arrests.

The mayor called the incident a preventable tragedy and said no family should receive such a call. NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said the continued practice is heartbreaking and urged families and teachers to intervene. Officials have used public service announcements and media campaigns to discourage the activity and have asked social media companies to remove related videos more quickly.