Staten Island, NY – The untimely death of 15-year-old Gregory Jantzen in a railway accident has left the community in shock and mourning. Gregory, who was found unconscious with a fatal head wound atop a train, passed away at Staten Island University Hospital North.
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The teenager had been subway surfing, a dangerous stunt that involves riding on top of moving trains, when tragedy struck. Reports suggest that he collided with an overhead walkway after climbing on top of a train car. This unfortunate incident is another stark reminder of the risks associated with this hazardous activity.
Family members devastated by the loss declined to comment, but neighbors spoke fondly of Gregory, remembering him as a good-natured boy and a devoted son. His upcoming birthday on June 1 added to the heartache of the tight-knit community.
“He was a nice boy, he used to play with my grandson,” shared one woman. “I was really shocked… Everybody is shocked.”
Gregory was a student at Tottenville High School, as reported by The Staten Island Advance. Police sources indicate that he had been with friends at the time of the incident, but he alone chose to engage in subway surfing.
Phil Giambalvo, a neighbor, recalled Gregory as a responsible young man who often assisted his father and took care of the family dogs. The tragedy hit close to home for Giambalvo, who expressed deep sadness and disbelief, emphasizing that Gregory did not exhibit any reckless behavior.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) has expressed concern about the alarming trend of dangerous rides atop moving trains. In the past six months, two other youths lost their lives due to similar incidents. Zachary Nazario, 15, was fatally struck by a low beam while atop a train crossing the Williamsburg Bridge in February, and Ka’Von Wooden, also 15, fell to his death in December while riding on the roof of a train approaching a Lower East Side station.
According to MTA statistics, there were 928 reported incidents of riding between cars or subway surfing in 2022, a significant increase from the previous year’s 206 cases. Authorities have also noted that daredevil tourists from Europe contribute to the risk, often filming their exploits for social media.
A local memorial adorned with flowers and candles now stands at the Eltingville station, serving as a tribute to the young life lost in this tragic accident.
Richard Davey, NYC Transit President, expressed his condolences, stating, “This was an awful situation that demonstrates again the deadly risk taken by anyone who attempts to subway surf. Our hearts go out to loved ones who have senselessly lost a child.”
As the community mourns the loss of Gregory Jantzen, it serves as a somber reminder of the dangers associated with reckless activities like subway surfing. Authorities and community members alike hope that this tragic incident will serve as a wake-up call, urging individuals to prioritize their safety and avoid risking their lives for dangerous stunts.
