Annie Walton Doyle
The mom of a 13-year-old who died taking part in the ‘subway surfers’ challenge has spoken out.
A tragic accident occurred in Queens, New York, claiming the life of 13-year-old Krystel Romero while critically injuring her 14-year-old friend.
The teenager’s heartbroken mom is now warning others about the dangers of the ‘subway surfers’ trend, which has been renewed through social media.
Romero’s mother, Maria Elena Ortiz, pleaded in an interview with the New York Post: “Stop [subway] surfing – it’s not a game.
“If you die, think of the pain you will cause your family. I don’t want to live right now. I feel so desperate. She was my baby.”
In response to the tragedy, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has expressed his condolences, emphasizing the role of social media in encouraging risky behavior among young people.
He stated (per CNN): “Heartbroken to hear that subway surfing – and the pursuit of social media clout – has stolen another life.
“We are doing everything we can to raise awareness against this dangerous trend, but we need all New Yorkers – and our social media companies – to do their part, too. No post is worth your future.”
Adams also urged parents, caregivers, and social media platforms to play a more active role in combating this risky trend.
‘Subway surfing’ is a hazardous activity involving riders clinging to or standing on top of moving trains.
According to police, the two teenagers fell between train cars on a southbound 7 train at approximately 11 p.m. on Sunday near the 111th Street station.
Krystel, trapped beneath the train, was declared dead at the scene.
Her friend was found severely injured in front of the train and was transported to Elmhurst Hospital with a fractured skull and brain bleed, struggling to breathe independently.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has long sought to counter ‘subway surfing’ through public service announcements and has urged social media companies to swiftly remove such dangerous content.
MTA CEO Janno Lieber said the agency constantly monitors social media, asking platforms to remove subway surfing videos to protect impressionable youth, reports the New York Post.
Despite these efforts, such incidents have continued to rise in New York – making this year’s death toll the highest on record with six fatalities, surpassing last year’s five.
Romero’s death follows two recent fatalities linked to ‘subway surfing.’
Just days prior, 13-year-old Adolfo Sanabria Sorzano died while surfing on the Forest Avenue station’s tracks.
In September, 11-year-old Cayden Thompson lost his life attempting the same.
Sorzano’s father also urged youth to avoid this dangerous practice, saying: “Please think about the pain it will cause your parents.”
Another teen, 15-year-old Christian Vega, described the addictive allure of ‘subway surfing,’ calling the adrenaline rush ‘irresistible’ but cautioned peers: “It’s not worth your life.”
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