New York, US: When 15-year-old Terrell Ismail climbed atop a New York City subway car in June 2022, chasing the thrill that’s gripped so many local teens, he had no idea that moment would change—and almost end—his life. Today, following a grueling recovery after a near-fatal accident, Terrell is sounding the alarm for others, determined to keep them from making his mistake.
The Ride That Nearly Cost Everything
On an early summer evening, Terrell and friends dared each other to “subway surf”—the dangerous act of riding atop a speeding subway car. For many, it’s a social media challenge or a rite of passage. But for Terrell, the consequences came in a horrifying instant: as the train roared toward an overpass, he was struck in the head and violently thrown from the car.
Bystanders raced to help as emergency crews swarmed the scene. Terrell was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, having suffered traumatic brain injuries and multiple broken bones. Doctors fought for his life—and, against all medical odds, he survived. But living would come at a steep price.
A Battle to Rebuild
Terrell’s road to recovery began in the intensive care unit and continued for months at Blythedale Children’s Hospital. Initially unable to speak, eat, or even breathe on his own, the teen had to relearn how to walk, talk, and perform all basic life skills. Multiple surgeries, grueling weeks in rehabilitation, and constant support from therapists and his family marked every milestone.
“I had to rebuild my body and my brain from scratch,” Terrell explains. Even now, he still battles weakness on one side and struggles to reclaim his independence. But the medical ordeal gave him a new purpose.
A Message No Teen Can Ignore
Now 17 and dreaming of returning to his high school in Astoria, Queens, Terrell refuses to waste his second chance. While he may never fully recover, he’s determined to warn his generation about subway surfing’s deadly risks—a message tragically proven by the staggering toll on city teens.
“This isn’t a game. You’re risking your life and hurting everyone around you,” Terrell stresses. “It’s not worth it—please, don’t do it.”
His advocacy comes at a time when the city faces an alarming spike in subway surfing incidents. So far this year alone, at least six young people have lost their lives on NYC trains in similar stunts. Arrests for the act have skyrocketed by over 50% compared to last year, and hospitals are seeing a record number of teens admitted for life-altering injuries caused by subway surfing. Social media continues to fuel the trend, making Terrell’s personal crusade more urgent than ever.
The Heartbreak Behind the Headlines
Terrell isn’t alone. Recently, families across New York—especially in Queens and the Bronx—have mourned children lost while chasing these brief, perilous thrills. Community leaders and officials have amplified campaigns, working to get hazardous content taken down from platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and stepping up efforts in schools to educate youth about the grave dangers of this viral challenge.
“I wish things had been different,” Terrell says quietly. “But if sharing my story saves even one life, it’s worth it.”
More Than Just a Warning—A Hope for Change
As Terrell slowly reclaims his future, he hopes other kids and parents take his message to heart. His experience is a stark reminder: no video, no thrill, and no moment of peer approval is worth risking everything.
“God left me here for a reason,” he reflects. “If telling my story makes somebody think twice, that’s the best thing I can do.”
Let Terrell’s courage and hard-won wisdom be a wake-up call to every family. Subway surfing is not just a dare—it’s a matter of life and death.
Source: https://people.com/subway-surfing-survivor-warns-other-teenagers-against-the-trend-11713906
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