TikTok Subway Surfing Challenge in Queens: 13-Year-Old Boy Dies While Doing Viral Social Media Stunt, 5th Such Incident in New York This Year
Thirteen-year-old Adolfo Sanabria Sorzano from US’ Queens died in a subway surfing incident reportedly tied to a TikTok Subway Surfing challenge. His mother, seeking funeral support, remembered him as “full of life,” highlighting concerns over rising, risky social media trends.
New York, October 26: In a tragic incident in US, a 13-year-old boy lost his life in a TikTok subway surfing Challenge in Queens on Wednesday, marking the fifth such fatality in New York City this year, police said. Officers responded to a 911 call just before 10 pm at the Forest Avenue subway station, where they found the teen unconscious. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene, though authorities have yet to release his identity.
Adolfo Sanabria Sorzano died Wednesday in a subway surfing incident linked to a TikTok challenge, his mother revealed on a GoFundMe page for funeral expenses. Describing Adolfo as “full of life,” she urged support to honor his memory. This incident highlights growing concerns over dangerous social media stunts among youth. What Is Chroming Challenge? Dangerous TikTok Trend Explained As 12-Year-Old Boy From England Suffers Cardiac Arrest for Getting High on Deodorant.
This latest incident comes barely a month after 11-year-old Cayden Thompson died from a similar mishap. Cayden was struck in the head by a low metal beam while riding atop a G train in Brooklyn on September 16. His death sparked widespread concern, with his family questioning school safety measures, particularly his ability to leave school unnoticed. “How could he just walk out of the school?” his grieving grandmother asked at his funeral. “How is a baby sneaking out of the school?” Hot Car Death in US: Toddler Dies in Back Seat As ‘Drunk’ Mother Passes Out in Vehicle Amid Scorching Weather in California.
With subway surfing gaining dangerous popularity on social media, city officials report a significant increase in incidents compared to last year. In response, the New York State and city governments have initiated a public awareness campaign to educate teens on the severe risks associated with the stunt.
Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos addressed the tragedy in a statement on Thursday, announcing that the New York City Department of Education will hold a community forum on school safety on Saturday. The forum aims to raise awareness among families and communities about the dangers of TikTok subway surfing challenge and discuss proactive safety measures to protect youth.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 26, 2024 12:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).