NYU Freshman Struck and Killed by L Train
The identity of the student has not been released by authorities.
By: Izzie Ramirez, Téa Kvetenadze, and Zoe Haylock
An NYU student was killed by a Manhattan-bound L train at the First Avenue-14th Street station on Tuesday.
The incident has now been confirmed a suicide according to the NYPD’s Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Public Information (DCPI) and a witness.
“The [train’s] motorman observed the deceased jumping in front of the oncoming train as it entered the station,” the office stated in an email.
The 18-year-old freshman died on the scene around 12:09 p.m. The NYPD had stated he leaned over the platform and was struck by a train, in a phone call with Local.
L train service was temporarily stopped in Manhattan in both directions as a result.
In a statement to NYU Local, university spokesperson John Beckman said NYU is “aware of the death of a student today” and “the matter remains under investigation by the authorities.”
“We therefore want to take this moment to remind the entire NYU community of the extensive resources we have to help students,” Beckman said. “The professionals at the Wellness Exchange are available 24/7 to help, to provide support, to connect students to services, or just to talk.”
NYU Public Safety did not respond immediately to requests for comment.
If you or someone you know needs help, please remember that the Wellness Center is available 24/7 at 212-443-9999.
This story was updated to include a statement from the university spokesperson at 8:55 p.m. on Oct. 2, and then updated to include a statement from the DCPI at 10:03 a.m. on Oct. 3.
