Two Teens Dead Attempting Subway Surfing

 

 

Two teenage girls tragically lost their lives late Tuesday night while “subway surfing” on top of a moving train in Brooklyn, according to the New York Police Department. The fatal incident has reignited citywide discussions about the growing social media trend that encourages risky behavior for online views.

Authorities said the girls, both under 18, were riding on top of a J train when they lost balance as the train entered the elevated Marcy Avenue station. Emergency responders pronounced both victims dead at the scene.

“This is a heartbreaking and completely preventable tragedy,” said NYPD Transit Chief Michael Kemper. “We’re asking parents, teachers, and community members to talk to young people about how dangerous this is. No online trend is worth a life.”

The Rise of Subway Surfing on Social Media

The NYPD reports that subway surfing incidents have increased by over 40% in the past two years, fueled by short-form video platforms where users record dangerous stunts for likes and followers.
In 2023, a 15-year-old boy also died while attempting the same act on the L train in Brooklyn, prompting the MTA to launch a “Ride Inside, Stay Alive” campaign.

Transit officials have since increased surveillance and safety announcements, but the trend continues to claim young lives. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is also working with social media companies to remove videos that glorify the act.

“Every single one of these deaths is a reminder that the subway is not a playground,” said MTA spokesperson Aaron Donovan. “We want to make sure these platforms take responsibility for removing this type of content before more teens are hurt.”

Community Reaction and Mourning

Local residents placed flowers and candles near the station Wednesday morning. One woman who witnessed the aftermath said she hopes the tragedy will serve as a warning to others.

“It’s so sad. They were just kids,” she said. “I hope no one else tries this again.”

Police said they are reviewing surveillance footage but have ruled out foul play. The names of the victims have not been released pending family notification.

 

A Taste of NYC at Home: Quinoa & Kale Buddha Bowl

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction

In a city that never sleeps, New Yorkers are always looking for quick, healthy, and delicious meals that fuel their busy lives. What if you could bring that same energy into your kitchen? This Quinoa & Kale Buddha Bowl combines protein, fiber, and vibrant vegetables into a satisfying, nutrient-packed meal with a modern NYC sensibility—fresh, colorful, and easy to prepare.

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Why This Meal Works (and Qualifies for Healthy  Guidelines)

• Balanced nutrition: includes whole grains (quinoa), greens (kale), plant protein (chickpeas), and healthy fats (avocado, olive oil).

• Simple ingredients: easy to source in city grocery stores or farmers’ markets.

• Scalable: you can make 1 single bowl or multiply for meal prep.

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Ingredients (serves 2)

Ingredient	Amount
Quinoa (dry)	½ cup
Water or low-sodium vegetable broth	1 cup
Kale leaves (stems removed, chopped)	2–3 cups
Chickpeas (cooked or canned, drained + rinsed)	1 cup
Red bell pepper	½, diced
Cucumber	½, diced
Cherry tomatoes	6–8, halved
Avocado	1, sliced
Olive oil	1–2 tbsp
Lemon juice	from ½ lemon
Garlic	1 clove, minced
Salt & pepper	to taste
Optional: feta cheese or toasted seeds (pumpkin, sunflower)	small sprinkle

 

Instructions

1. Cook the quinoa
   In a small pot, bring 1 cup water (or broth) to a boil. Add quinoa, lower to simmer, cover and cook ~15 minutes, until water is absorbed. Fluff with fork.

2. Prepare the kale
   While quinoa cooks, toss chopped kale in a bowl with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Massage gently with your hands for 1–2 minutes until leaves soften slightly.

3. Roast or warm chickpeas (optional but adds texture)
   Preheat oven to 200 °C (390 °F). Toss chickpeas with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast 10–12 minutes until slightly crisp. Or skip this and use as is.

4. Assemble the bowl
   In each serving bowl, layer: quinoa base → kale → chickpeas → bell pepper → cucumber → cherry tomatoes → avocado.

5. Make the dressing & finish
   Whisk olive oil + lemon juice + minced garlic + salt & pepper. Drizzle over the bowl. Top with feta or seeds if desired.

6. Serve & enjoy
   You can eat immediately, or cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours (keep dressing separate until ready to eat).

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Nutritional Highlights & Health Benefits

• High in fiber — quinoa, chickpeas, kale all contribute to fullness and digestive health

• Plant protein — chickpeas and quinoa provide good vegetarian protein

• Healthy fats — from avocado and olive oil, which support heart and brain health

• Micronutrients — kale offers vitamins A, C, K; red peppers add vitamin C and antioxidants

• Low processed ingredients — avoids heavy sauces, refined sugars, or excess salt

Also, in New York City’s public health efforts, home cooking and plant-forward meals are promoted to improve community nutrition. For instance, NYC Health offers plant-powered recipes to help families eat more vegetables and whole foods. nyc.gov

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Tips for a NYC-Inspired Twist & Variations

• Swap kale with spinach, arugula, or mixed greens to vary texture

• Use other beans (black beans, white beans) for different flavors

• Add roasted sweet potato or butternut squash for warmth and extra color

• Use a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a tahini-lemon dressing for variation

• For a seafood option, add grilled shrimp or salmon to boost protein