Samuel L. Jackson Recounts Terrifying Moment He Was ‘Dragged by a Subway Train’ in N.Y.C.

Samuel L. Jackson Recalls Terrifying Moment of Being ‘Dragged by a Subway Train’ in New York City

Renowned actor Samuel L. Jackson recently shared a chilling experience from over three decades ago when he faced a near-death encounter in New York City. The 76-year-old star recounted the harrowing incident on the Mad Sad Bad podcast, revealing how he was “dragged by a subway train” in the bustling metropolis.

During the podcast episode released on June 3, Jackson vividly described the terrifying ordeal that unfolded when his foot became trapped in the closing doors of a subway train. “I was in the middle door of the last car, and it was a long-ass train station. And when the door closed on my foot, [the] train took off. So I’m sitting there thinking, I’m like, ‘Oh, f—, I’m going to die’,” Jackson recounted.

As the train accelerated, dragging him along helplessly, Jackson found himself facing the grim reality of a potential tragic outcome. “I could see the tunnel coming and I couldn’t figure out anything that I could grab or hold on to and get close to the train so I wouldn’t get killed in the tunnel,” he bravely shared.

In the midst of the chaos, Jackson’s thoughts drifted to the approaching Christmas period, adding a poignant layer to the already dire situation. “All I could think of was, it was going to be a really sad Christmas, because it was like a few days before Christmas,” the actor reflected on the near-death experience.

Despite the imminent danger, a stroke of fortune intervened as a fellow passenger came to Jackson’s rescue by pulling the emergency cord on the train. This brave act proved to be decisive in saving Jackson’s life, although it would be two years before the identity of his rescuer came to light.

Following a legal battle with the New York Transit Authority, which resulted in a $540,000 settlement for Jackson, the actor discovered that the heroic individual who had halted the train using the emergency cord was himself on crutches at the time of the incident.

Recounting the incident to Vanity Fair, Jackson revealed the extent of his injuries sustained during the subway mishap, including a torn ACL and meniscus. The aftermath required him to endure ten months on crutches and over a year of physical rehabilitation to recover fully.

Reflecting on the profound impact of the near-death encounter, Jackson acknowledged that while he did not experience the stereotypical “life passing before you” phenomenon, he noted the surreal sensation of time slowing down in moments of impending danger. “Things slow down when you’re looking at death,” he poignantly shared.

In conclusion, Samuel L. Jackson’s recollection of his traumatic subway incident serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the unforeseen circumstances that can test one’s resilience. The actor’s resilience and eventual recovery stand as a testament to his strength and determination in overcoming adversity.

(Text sourced from PEOPLE)