A grieving mom has issued a warning to all parents following her daughter’s tragic death in New York City.
As reported by the New York Post, 13-year-old Krystel Romero lost her life taking part in the perilous act of ‘subway surfing’ — a stunt that has also left her friend critically injured and hospitalized with severe injuries.
The concerning incident occurred in Queens, where Krystel and her friend – whose name has been withheld – tragically fell between moving subway carriages while attempting the dangerous challenge that has reportedly gained notoriety on social media.
Romero and her 14-year-old friend fell off a No. 7 train in Corona Sunday night.
Tragically, Krystel succumbed to her injuries, while her friend continues to fight for her life in the hospital with a reported fractured skull and a brain bleed.
What is ‘Subway Surfing’?
Subway surfing, also known as ‘train surfing,’ involves the risky act of riding on the outside of a moving train. Participants often perform this stunt on the roof, sides, or between the carriages of subway trains.
The act was initially a method of moving around on overcrowded trains in various parts of the world, however, it has transformed into a daring act for thrill-seeking youths, often documented and shared on social media platforms
Speaking of the most recent tragic incident, Krystel’s family friend told The Post: “They were doing it for social media”.
Despite the apparent thrill and popularity on social platforms, subway surfing is fraught with dangers, including the risk of falling, getting run over, or even electrocution from live wires.
Per Vice, six teenagers have already died this year, according to New York police data.
A Mother’s Heartbreaking Plea
Amid her unimaginable grief, Krystel’s mother, Maria Elena Ortiz, 31, has issued a heartfelt plea to teenagers drawn to such viral challenges. Speaking to the New York Post, she implored: “Stop [subway] surfing—it’s not a game. If you die, think of the pain you will cause your family. Please kids, don’t do it.”
“I don’t want to live right now,” she expressed, devastated. “I feel so desperate. She was my baby.”
A Rising Toll and a Call to Action
Krystel’s tragic death marks an alarming rise in fatalities linked to subway surfing. With her death being the sixth reported this year, it has surpassed last year’s total of five. This growing trend has not only parents but also city officials deeply concerned.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the dire consequences of chasing viral fame. “Heartbroken to hear that subway surfing—and the pursuit of social media clout—has stolen another life,” he stated on social media.
“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,” he continued.
“My prayers are with the families of both girls,” he concluded, reflecting a city’s collective heartache and a firm resolve to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
In a subsequent press conference, Adams highlighted to role social media is playing in the trend, saying: “I don’t know if we really understand what social media is doing to our children.
“Social media has radicalized and hijacked our children.”
Krystel’s death comes just one week after a 13-year-old boy was killed while subway surfing in Ridgewood, per NY1.
In response to that tragic incident, New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow described the loss as “another heartbreaking situation where a child tragically mistook riding outside subway cars for some kind of joyride”.
Our thoughts go out to everybody impacted by this tragedy.
