After Teen Son Dies on Subway, Mom Finds His Phone Left Behind and Sees It as a Sign — Inspiring New Mission

Mom Believes Son Left His Phone Behind as a Message After Tragic Incident

Norma Nazario speaks out about the loss of her son Zackery and her new mission to raise awareness

Norma Nazario, the grieving mother of 15-year-old Zackery Nazario, who tragically died after attempting to subway surf, reveals her emotional journey of coping with the loss of her son. She found Zackery’s phone left behind at the scene of the accident, which she interprets as a sign to take action against dangerous online trends. This heart-wrenching story sheds light on the impact of social media on teenagers and the devastating consequences that can arise from risky behaviours.

Zackery Nazario was a young history enthusiast with dreams of joining the Marines. However, his life was cut short on February 20, 2023, when he attempted the dangerous stunt of subway surfing with his girlfriend. As they climbed on top of a moving train, tragedy struck as Zackery was fatally injured and lost his life in front of his loved ones. Norma Nazario recalls the pain of losing her son and the struggles she faced in the aftermath of the accident.

The grieving mother shares her concern about the influence of social media on Zackery’s behaviour. She admits that she was unaware of his involvement in platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where dangerous challenges and stunts are often glorified. Norma believes that her son fell victim to the pressures of online trends and was led to subway surfing through content he viewed on these platforms. This revelation has motivated her to take a stand and raise awareness about the dangers of such activities.

The discovery of Zackery’s phone at the accident site served as a poignant moment for Norma. She interprets this as a message from her son, urging her to uncover the truth behind his actions and prevent others from facing similar fates. The tragic loss of Zackery has prompted Norma to take legal action against social media giants like Meta, TikTok, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for their alleged role in promoting unsafe behaviours among youths.

In light of Zackery’s untimely death, Norma’s attorney, Matthew Bergman, highlights the need for accountability and responsibility from social media companies. He argues that these platforms prioritise engagement over safety, leading vulnerable individuals like Zackery to engage in risky activities for online validation. By pursuing legal action, Norma hopes to honour her son’s memory and create awareness about the dangers of online influences on impressionable minds.

Psychology expert Jean Twenge weighs in on the phenomenon of adolescents engaging in risky behaviours influenced by social media. She emphasises the need for parental supervision and restrictions on children’s access to smartphones and social media platforms. Twenge’s insights shed light on the broader societal implications of online trends and their impact on young individuals like Zackery.

As Norma Nazario continues her fight for justice and awareness, she remains steadfast in her mission to honour her son’s legacy. By speaking out about Zackery’s story and advocating for safer internet practices, she hopes to prevent further tragedies and protect vulnerable youths from the dangers of online influences. The heartbreaking tale of Zackery Nazario serves as a stark reminder of the perils of social media and the urgent need to regulate its impact on impressionable minds.

This story of loss, courage, and determination resonates with audiences worldwide, prompting a re-evaluation of the role of social media in shaping young lives. Norma Nazario’s unwavering commitment to seeking justice for her son serves as a powerful example of a mother’s love and resilience in the face of adversity. Through her advocacy efforts, she hopes to create a safer and more responsible digital environment for future generations.