Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
14-year old killed, another teen injured subway surfing across Williamsburg Bridge
By
Christopher Werth
and
Arya Sundaram
Published May 23, 2026
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Benjamin Lowy/Getty Images
By
Christopher Werth
and
Arya Sundaram
Published May 23, 2026
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
One teenager was killed and another is in critical condition after falling from a J train while subway surfing across the Williamsburg Bridge, according to city officials.
Police say officers responded to a 911 call just before 6 p.m. Friday. A 14-year old boy fell several stories from the bridge and into a lot near Delancey Street and Lewis Street. An 18-year old was found on the subway tracks on the bridge.
Both were unconscious and responsive, an NYPD spokesperson said. Emergency responders transported the teens to Bellevue Hospital. The 14-year old was pronounced dead and the 18-year old is in critical condition.
Their names are not being released pending family notification.
“This is a preventable tragedy,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani said in a statement late Friday. “Subway surfing is deadly.”
Yvette Boria, 59, said she was trying to cross the bridge when police and emergency personel responded and witnessed medics trying to assist the two teens.
"We saw all the ambulances and police officers," Boria said. "Kids don't learn. Do they not realize what they're doing?"
NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow issued a statement calling the incident “heartbreaking.”
“I’m imploring families, friends, teachers and others coming into contact with teens engaging in these suicidal stunts to get them to stop.”
This is a developing story that may be updated.
Tagged
new york city
public safety
Christopher Werth
Christopher is a senior editor focusing on investigations. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or Signal 646-939-6511
Read more
Arya Sundaram
Arya is a reporter covering race and justice. Got a tip? Email: [email protected] or reach Arya on Signal at 512-650-8767.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
MTA should eliminate some jobs to prepare for budget woes, watchdog writes
The Citizens Budget Commission suggested eliminating one crew member from trains that are fully automated.
By
Stephen Nessen
Published Nov 2, 2026 at 12:05 a.m. ET
NYC Council to scrutinize snow removal plans as winter approaches
Lawmakers will review the city's preparations and consider a bill requiring the city to publish historical snowplowing records.
By
Catalina Gonella
News
NYC Council to scrutinize snow removal plans as winter approaches
Lawmakers will review the city's preparations and consider a bill requiring the city to publish historical snowplowing records.
By
Catalina Gonella
'The best day of the year': Inside Clinton Hill's 'mile nine' NYC marathon party
By
Stephanie Keith
November has 3 meteor showers and the best chance to see Uranus
By
Rosemary Misdary
A 'beautiful' day for a marathon, as runners, spectators pack NYC streets
By
Walter Wuthmann
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .