15-Year-Old Was Almost Killed Trying to ’Subway Surf,’ Now He’s Warning Other Kids (Exclusive)

Subway Surfing Survivor Shares Warning to Teens

Eighteen-year-old Terrell Ismail, a survivor of a near-fatal subway surfing accident, is now speaking out against the dangerous trend that almost cost him his life. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Terrell shared the harrowing experience that changed his life forever. He recalled the moment he was critically injured while riding on top of a New York City subway train in June 2022, an incident that led to a long and challenging road to recovery.

The incident occurred when Terrell, a Queens native, attempted to subway surf at the 111th Street station in Queens. Despite having successfully surfed on several transit lines before, tragedy struck when he was struck by a metal rod hanging over the entrance. The impact left him with a traumatic brain injury, affecting the functionality of the left side of his body. Terrell had to undergo multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation to relearn basic skills like walking, writing, and speaking.

Since his recovery, Terrell has made it his mission to raise awareness about the dangers of subway surfing. He shared his story in the hopes of preventing other young people from making the same mistake. The trend, which has led to numerous injuries and fatalities in cities like Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., has become a growing concern. In New York City alone, statistics show a rise in subway surfing-related incidents, with five deaths reported between 2018 and 2022, and an additional 14 fatalities since 2023.

Experts attribute the appeal of subway surfing to a lack of awareness of the potential dangers, exacerbated by viral videos glamorizing the activity. Terrell, once drawn to the thrill of capturing the cityscape from atop a moving train, now warns against the risks involved. His message is clear: the temporary exhilaration is not worth the potential consequences. Despite the challenges he faced during his recovery, Terrell remains grateful for a second chance at life and believes he has a purpose to educate others about the perils of subway surfing.

In response to the alarming trend, city and state officials have taken steps to address the issue. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has implemented safety measures such as open-gangway trains and sensors to detect unauthorized access to subway tracks. Public awareness campaigns, including “Ride Inside, Stay Alive,” have been launched to discourage risky behaviour. Law enforcement agencies have also increased interventions to curb subway surfing incidents, deploying resources to high-risk areas.

Despite the progress in raising awareness, challenges remain for survivors like Terrell. His father, Sammy, shared the financial strain of supporting his son’s ongoing therapies and treatments. Terrell continues to attend specialized therapy sessions at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan, where he focuses on speech, occupational, and physical rehabilitation. While the road to recovery is long and arduous, Terrell remains determined to share his story and advocate for safer choices among young people.

As Terrell looks ahead to the future, he aims to use his experience to educate others and prevent further tragedies. With a renewed sense of purpose, he hopes that his message will resonate with teenagers who may be tempted to engage in risky behaviours. Terrell’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and making informed decisions, especially when it comes to engaging in dangerous activities. Through his advocacy, he strives to turn his traumatic experience into a powerful lesson for others.