Last year, the MTA saw over 450 cases of people riding outside trains. This shows subway surfing is getting worse in New York City. A tragedy in Williamsburg has made this issue more real.
Police found Zemfira Mukhtaro, 12, from Brooklyn, and Ebba Morina, 13, from Manhattan. They were on a J train at Marcy Avenue-Broadway station after a 3 a.m. 911 call on Saturday, Oct. 4. Their story is a sad reminder of how subway surfing can be deadly in seconds.
NYCTA President Demetrius Crichlow said subway surfing is not exciting—it’s deadly. MTA Chair Janno Lieber called it heartbreaking. Zemfira’s friends say she was just days from turning 13. Her family was planning a funeral instead of a birthday.
This report starts with what we know. It looks at how a night out turned into a subway surfing death in NYC. It also explores why this trend keeps growing and how the city is trying to stop it.
As more details come out, we’ll see the human side of subway surfing in New York. We aim to honor the victims, look at the facts, and stop this dangerous practice.
Tragic night in Williamsburg: What happened at Marcy Avenue station
In the early hours before dawn, Marcy Avenue-Broadway station in Brooklyn saw a tragic event. It was linked to subway surfing in New York City. Riders on the J line saw crews stop service as news spread of two teens on a train’s roof.
Timeline of the incident at Marcy Avenue-Broadway station in Brooklyn
Late Friday, two girls left home, early reports said. Around 3 a.m. Saturday, a J train arrived at Williamsburg, where staff found trouble. By 3:10 a.m., the girls were found on the platform at Marcy Avenue, showing how fast danger can arise.
News desks confirmed the incident happened at the J line in Brooklyn. The late hours and sequence suggest an attempt to ride outside the cars, a common risk in subway surfing deaths.
NYPD and EMS response to the 3 a.m. 911 call
Dispatchers called for officers and medics after a 911 report of two on a train’s roof. NYPD secured the area while EMS rushed up with equipment. Their actions followed emergency protocols used in subway surfing deaths.
Despite quick care, both victims were declared dead at the station. Police then secured the area for investigators. They worked with the MTA to record train movements, a common step in subway surfing incidents.
Initial details about the J train and discovery on top of the subway car
The involved train was a J service set that had just arrived. Transit workers found the teens on the roof as doors opened. The initial assessment linked the case to riding outside the car, a known risk in subway surfing.
Authorities later confirmed the victims’ ages and identities. For Marcy Avenue commuters in Brooklyn, the incident highlighted the danger of subway surfing.
Victims identified: Remembering Zemfira Mukhtaro, 12, and Ebba Morina, 13
NYPD identified the two students found atop a J train as 12-year-old Zemfira Mukhtaro of Brooklyn and 13-year-old Ebba Morina of Manhattan. News of a teen killed subway surfing spread fast across New York, adding to the grief already felt in zemfira nyc circles. Families described both girls as bright and curious, and neighbors say the loss feels close to home.
Young lives lost in suspected subway surfing nyc incident
Officials said the pair were found unconscious on top of the train, a scene that echoed prior warnings about subway surfers nyc. Reports that a teen dies subway surfing, or that a teen killed subway surfing during a late-night ride, are no longer rare, and the names now include a girl killed in brooklyn who was known for her laughter and art.
Zemfira’s upcoming 13th birthday and time spent with her younger sister
Relatives say Zemfira spent Friday evening with her 11-year-old sister, Maryam, before slipping out later that night. She was weeks from turning 13, and friends had been planning a small cake and photos. In conversations about zemfira nyc, they recall a child who sketched city skylines and talked about summer plans.
Community mourning for the girl killed in Brooklyn
Vigils formed near Williamsburg and in Lower Manhattan as classmates and transit workers paused to remember. NYCTA leaders noted the pain felt by crews who discovered the teens, underscoring how subway surfers nyc tragedies scar entire lines and neighborhoods. The shock of a teen dies subway surfing headline gave way to quiet tears, as candles flickered for the girl killed in brooklyn and for Ebba, whose friends brought notes and flowers.
As families gather, a father’s words in a fundraiser describe Zemfira as “full of life,” and city residents repeat that refrain. The names Zemfira Mukhtaro and Ebba Morina now anchor a sobering chapter in New York, and their memories press the city to speak plainly about the risks that come with subway surfers nyc.
Family voices: Grief, shock, and a sister’s warning
By dawn, the home felt quiet and unreal. The family spoke in short bursts, trying to make sense of zemfira being named in a subway surfing death that no one saw coming. The story of a subway surfer girl had turned into a headline none of them ever wanted to read.
Mother Nataliya Rudenko recognizing Zemfira’s skateboard and purse on TV
On the morning news, Nataliya Rudenko watched footage and looked twice. Her younger daughter, Maryam, spotted a skateboard and a purse and said it out loud. In that instant, hope gave way to the fear of death subway surfing. They had believed zemfira was asleep in her room.
Rudenko later said the items felt like a message from the screen. It was the moment the subway surfing death was no longer a rumor but their own loss, close and permanent.
Maryam’s tribute to her sister and message on the dangers of subway surfing
Maryam called her sister her best friend. She spoke softly about the thrill that kids chase and why it is not worth it. She asked others to stay off train roofs and not become another subway surfer girl story.
Her words were simple and firm. She wanted classmates and neighbors to hear them and avoid the pull of death subway surfing, no matter what trends promise.
Faith, loss, and planning a funeral days before a 12 years old birthday
Faith helped the family hold steady in the first hard hours. They leaned on prayer while the house filled with relatives. The calendar felt cruel, with a 12 years old birthday turning into plans for a service.
They began to choose photos, gather flowers, and call friends. Each step made zemfira’s absence real, another reminder of a subway surfing death that arrived without warning.
| Family Member | Immediate Reaction | Key Message to Others | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nataliya Rudenko | Recognition of skateboard and purse on TV | Pay attention to signs and check on kids overnight | Realized the footage connected to zemfira and the subway surfing death |
| Maryam | Called her sister her best friend | The rush is not worth the risk of death subway surfing | Urged kids to avoid copying a subway surfer girl trend |
| Extended Family | Gathered to support and pray | Lean on faith and community | Planned a funeral near a 12 years old birthday, navigating shock and grief |
How the teens met and why they went out that night
The two teens first met online and kept talking through messages. By Friday night, they decided to meet in Brooklyn for an adventure. They wanted something bold and fast, inspired by teen subway surfing videos.
Friends described the night as spontaneous, not planned with adults. They planned to ride the J line, film their journey, and feel the thrill. It seemed like a simple dare to follow.
Understanding the viral trend behind teen subway surfing
Short videos show quick thrills and celebrate those who last the longest. Algorithms love the excitement, making “subway surfer new york” videos loop. For viewers, it’s all about the thrill, not the danger.
Apps make meeting up easy. Teens use the subway app new york for routes and times. This ease can turn a last-minute idea into a quick adventure.
From “adventure” to catastrophe: social media’s role
The teens followed a pattern seen in urban exploration videos. They boarded, waited for space, and climbed to the roof of a moving car. The goal was a few seconds of video; the risk was hidden.
Creators post videos with music and quick cuts. Viewers remember the excitement, not the danger. This turns a dare into a deadly risk in one night.
Why “surfing girl” narratives online can mask deadly risks
Posts celebrating a fearless surfing girl can make danger seem stylish. The likes and comments make it seem like a badge, not a threat. Subway surfing is seen as skill, not a life-or-death choice.
When a clip trends under subway surfer new york, it invites others to try. Even tools like the subway app new york make risky plans seem routine. The danger remains extreme.
| Online Cue | Perceived Message | Hidden Risk | Real-World Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trending “subway surfer new york” clips | Everyone is doing it | False sense of safety | More attempts after viral spikes |
| “Surfing girl” highlight reels | Skill and style over caution | Underestimates speed and impact | Teens copy poses from videos |
| What is subway surfing explainers | Simple steps to try | Leaves out fatal outcomes | How-to tone leads to imitation |
| Use of the subway app new york | Easy planning at odd hours | Faster access, lower hesitation | Late-night meetups for stunts |
| Teen subway surfing challenges | Status through risk | Peer pressure and escalation | From viewing to attempting within days |
Officials respond: “Getting on top of a subway car isn’t ‘surfing’ — it’s suicide”
City leaders spoke with urgency after the latest subway surfing death in NYC. Their words echoed across stations and screens. Families and transit crews were in shock. The message was clear: the risk of subway surfing is absolute.
Statements from NYCTA President Demetrius Crichlow and MTA leadership
NYCTA President Demetrius Crichlow denounced the trend. He said, “Getting on top of a subway car isn’t ‘surfing’ — it’s suicide.” He called the girls’ deaths heartbreaking and urged teens to stay inside the cars.
MTA Chair Janno Lieber added, “It doesn’t get any more tragic than this.” He stressed the need to stop subway surfers in NYC before another life is lost.
Transit workers and families left horribly shaken
Crichlow noted that both families and the crews who made the discovery were horribly shaken. Veteran operators and cleaners described the scene as devastating. The pain from a subway surfing death spreads from the platform to the break rooms, and it lingers.
NYPD perspective on urban exploring and enforcement
The NYPD reported four fatalities from subway surfing in NYC last year. This incident brings the total to five over the past year. Chief of Transit Christopher Gulotta linked the behavior to “urban exploring,” including tunnels and layups, calling it extremely dangerous.
Police now use targeted enforcement and technology to deter any subway surfer attempts outside the trains. They aim to prevent another subway surfing death.
Subway surfing deaths in New York: A rising and deadly trend
Authorities say the Williamsburg tragedy is part of a sharp rise in subway surfing deaths in New York City. Last year, four people died from riding outside trains. Now, with the latest case, there are five victims in the past year. Each incident shows how quickly a risky stunt can turn fatal.
Social media clips that glamorize riding on top of or between cars are to blame. These clips encourage train surfing, leading to more deaths, mainly at known hotspots. The case of two teens found on a J train roof shows how fast danger can come.
Transit officials call these acts illegal and often deadly. The NYPD tracks areas where subway surfing deaths are more likely. Families and riders share stories of near misses, where a friend’s yell or a door jam saved them. But, one slip can be fatal.
Data trends underscore the pattern: brief visibility, sudden impact, and no margin for error.
| Year-to-Date Snapshot | Key Factors Reported | Typical Locations | Outcome Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 fatalities linked to subway surfing deaths in the past year | Social media challenges; peers filming; late-night rides | J, A, and L corridors with open-air stretches and curves | Head strikes, falls between cars, and electrocution on contact |
| 4 train surfing deaths cited the previous year | Roof riding, end-door platforms, and between-car footholds | Hotspots near bridges, yards, and transfer hubs | Seconds from climb to impact; minimal time for intervention |
| Ongoing teen copycats after viral clips | Short videos boosting a nyc subway surfer persona | Stations with quick rooftop access and low clearance | High rate of severe trauma leading to a nyc subway surfing death |
The pattern is clear: a dare, a climb, and then disaster strikes. Riders hear a rush of wind and a shout, then nothing. In too many cases, a teen dies, leaving a community searching for answers.
Safety actions in motion: What NYC is doing right now
New York’s transit leaders are stepping up safety efforts after a series of subway surfing incidents. The MTA and NYPD are working together to patrol, monitor with technology, and reach out to youth. They aim to stop subway surfing behavior that spreads online, like on surfing reddit. Officials say thrill videos and games don’t show the real dangers.
Families want practical steps now, not later. Here’s what’s happening in stations and on lines across the city.
“Ride Inside, Stay Alive” campaign and hotspot enforcement
The MTA’s “Ride Inside, Stay Alive” campaign is everywhere. It’s in stations, on platforms, and online. It targets young people who watch subway surfers nyc videos, with clear warnings.
Transit staff and NYPD Transit are focusing on areas where teens try subway surfing stunts. They’re doing extra checks, alerting conductors, and reviewing cameras to stop climbs before trains leave.
NYPD drone interceptions of kids riding outside trains
NYPD units are using drones to spot kids between cars or on roofs in real time. This leads to quick and safe removals of children, even in elementary and middle school.
Command posts work with the Rail Control Center to slow or hold trains when needed. This approach reduces chase risks and tackles subway surfing nyc behavior as it occurs.
Guidance for parents, teachers, and guardians
City officials encourage adults to talk to teens about viral dares and clips. Emphasize that riding outside is dangerous, not a challenge.
Educators can use classroom safety talks and MTA materials. Invite NYPD Transit speakers. For younger kids, suggest supervised, age-appropriate events instead of risky adventures.
Consistent reminders, steady supervision, and visible enforcement work together to counter glamorized clips and the myths fueling new york subway surfing.
Community support and remembrance
Neighbors and friends have come together after the subway surfing death. They offer meals, rides, and quiet company. In zemfira nyc, people talk about shared grief and keeping teens safe on trains to queens ny.
Candlelight vigils in Brooklyn and messages from transit workers are shared online. These messages remember a subway surfer girl, calling for protection of others.
Acts of care help families breathe in hard moments. Small donations and a note at a station wall can ease the pain. A chat at a local spot like met cafe dc shows that attention and time matter. Community spaces also fight against harmful trends.
GoFundMe launched by Ruslan Mukhtarov for funeral and memorial expenses
Zemfira’s father, Ruslan Mukhtarov, started a GoFundMe for funeral and memorial costs. He wrote about his beloved daughter and the pain no parent should face. The appeal has received support from Williamsburg neighbors, train riders, and social media followers.
Honoring Zemfira’s memory: “Full of life” and loved
Friends describe Zemfira as curious, bright, and always moving. These qualities made zemfira new york feel close. They share school projects, skateboard clips, and birthday plans she never got to enjoy.
Each story highlights a real child whose laughter filled rooms. It counters the glamor of a subway surfer girl.
How readers can support grieving families and raise awareness
Readers can donate to verified fundraisers, bring meals, or help with rides and school pickups. They can share safety posts about the dangers of subway surfing. Parents and teachers should talk with teens about peer pressure, pointing them to trusted adults.
| Action | Why it matters | How to do it | Impact on Awareness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donate to verified family fundraisers | Reduces financial stress during mourning | Contribute to the GoFundMe created by Ruslan Mukhtarov | Signals broad solidarity across zemfira nyc networks |
| Share safety resources | Counters myths around subway surfer girl trends | Post clear guidance about risks on crowded routes like the train to queens ny | Builds a culture that rejects dangerous dares |
| Support local gatherings | Creates space to grieve and remember zemfira new york | Attend vigils; coordinate with community centers and cafes, including met cafe dc-style meetups | Transforms private sorrow into shared purpose |
| Talk with teens early | Prevents risky acts linked to subway surfing death | Use real stories and plain language, avoiding sensational clips or subgay comic taunts | Encourages safer choices and peer support |
Every gesture adds up. Donations honor a life. Stories change norms. Clear words save someone who might copy a stunt.
Conclusion
The deaths of 12-year-old Zemfira Mukhtaro and 13-year-old Ebba Morina on a J train at Marcy Avenue are a harsh reminder. Subway surfing is not exciting; it’s deadly. Their meeting, arranged online, and found dead just after 3 a.m., show the devastating impact of a viral trend.
MTA and NYPD officials urge everyone to ride inside for safety. They’re increasing patrols and using drones to catch roof riders. They also ask adults to talk to kids about the dangers of subway surfing.
This tragedy is not unique. A recent case in Queens, reported by People and Gothamist, highlights the danger. Learn more about subway surfing here and start conversations at home.
New York can honor Zemfira and Ebba by focusing on safety and supporting their families. Let’s reject the idea that subway surfing is cool. Speak out, report dangerous behavior, and guide kids to safer activities. We must work together to prevent more deaths.
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