Tragic Death of Teen Highlights Dangers of Subway Surfing in New York City

In a heartbreaking incident that underscores the perils of a dangerous trend, 15-year-old Zackery Nazario lost his life while engaging in subway surfing-a risky activity that has gained notoriety among young thrill-seekers. The tragic event occurred in February 2023 as Zackery attempted the stunt with his girlfriend atop a train crossing the Williamsburg Bridge, a popular route connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan.

A Mother’s Grief

For Norma Nazario, the loss of her son was not only shocking but also a painful revelation of the risks he had taken. “When I saw him at the funeral, I just fell on my knees,” she recounted, expressing the profound sorrow that enveloped her family. The emotional toll of losing a child to such a preventable accident is immeasurable, and Norma’s experience reflects a growing concern among parents regarding the influence of social media on youth behavior.

The Rising Trend of Subway Surfing

Subway surfing, which involves riding on top of moving trains, has become increasingly popular among teenagers, particularly in urban areas. According to data from the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the trend has resulted in 16 fatalities and 21 injuries over the past three years. The phenomenon is not confined to New York; similar incidents have been reported in cities like San Francisco and Washington, D.C., raising alarms about the safety of public transportation systems nationwide.

NYPD’s Response

In response to the alarming rise in subway surfing incidents, the NYPD Transit Bureau, under the leadership of Mayor Eric Adams, has implemented innovative measures to combat this dangerous trend. Since 2022, drones have been deployed to monitor subway trains for surfers. When individuals are spotted on top of a train, a field team intervenes at the next station to remove them safely.

Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “With this technology, we’re making our transit systems safer, preventing injuries, and ensuring New Yorkers can travel with peace of mind.” The NYPD reports that this program has successfully saved over 200 individuals from potential harm.

NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta noted that officers are frequently rescuing teenagers engaged in subway surfing, particularly during school hours. “The average subway surfer is just 14 years old, and the youngest child who died was only 11,” he stated, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. Gulotta believes that if the drones can deter even one child from attempting the stunt, the effort is worthwhile.

The Role of Social Media

The influence of social media on risky behaviors among youth cannot be overstated. After Zackery’s death, his mother gained access to his phone and discovered numerous videos of him engaging in subway surfing, many of which were shared by friends on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Norma believes that her son was initially drawn to the activity through trending videos, which often glamorize dangerous stunts.

In light of this, Norma Nazario has taken legal action against ByteDance and Meta, the parent companies of TikTok and Instagram. She alleges that these platforms contributed to her son’s death by allowing the subway surfing trend to proliferate. The lawsuit claims that the “unreasonably dangerous design” of social media products targeted and encouraged Zackery to engage in such perilous behavior.

Both companies have responded by stating that videos promoting subway surfing violate their policies and are promptly removed. A spokesperson for Meta added that the company intends to “vigorously defend ourselves against this suit,” indicating a commitment to addressing the issue while also protecting their platforms.

Legal Challenges

In addition to her lawsuit against social media companies, Norma Nazario also filed a claim against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). However, this claim was dismissed by Judge Paul Goetz in June 2025, who ruled that the inherent risks of subway surfing are “obvious as a matter of common sense.” This ruling raises questions about the responsibilities of public transportation authorities in ensuring the safety of their systems and the extent to which they can be held liable for the actions of individuals.

A Broader Conversation on Youth Safety

Zackery Nazario’s tragic death has sparked a broader conversation about youth safety in the age of social media. As platforms continue to evolve, the challenge of regulating content that encourages dangerous behavior remains a pressing concern. Parents, educators, and policymakers must work together to create a safer environment for young people, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and responsible social media use.

The phenomenon of subway surfing is not merely a local issue; it reflects a cultural shift in how young people seek thrills and validation. As they navigate the complexities of adolescence, the allure of social media can sometimes overshadow the potential consequences of their actions.

Conclusion

The death of Zackery Nazario serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers associated with subway surfing and the influence of social media on youth behavior. As cities grapple with this growing trend, innovative solutions like drone surveillance may help mitigate risks. However, the responsibility also lies with social media companies to ensure that their platforms do not inadvertently promote dangerous activities. Ultimately, fostering a culture of safety and awareness among young people is essential to preventing further tragedies.