Twelve-year-old Zemfira Mukhtarov joined a growing number of teens risking life and limb in the dangerous craze of subway surfing. Caught on social media performing stunts, Zemfira died early October 4 near Brooklyn’s Williamsburg Bridge when she and a friend lost control on a moving subway.
Her mother Nataliya recounted how Zemfira disregarded pleas to stop the risky behavior. Zemfira was known to post videos showing herself balancing on the tops of moving trains.
The fatal accident has raised alarms about the influence of social media daring teens toward dangerous, often fatal acts. A GoFundMe has been started to support Zemfira’s family during this heartbreaking time.