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Former subway surfer severely injured by overpass warns others about the dangerous activity

Ismail's life was changed forever after being struck in the head by an overpass while subway surfing in June 2022.

Lauren Del Valle

Nov 8, 2024, 5:40 PM

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News 12's Lauren Del Valle sat down with a former subway surfer who offered his advice to people wanting to partake in the dangerous activity.

"You're offering...quite literally...the highest risk there is to offer..." said 17-year-old Terrell Ismail. "for absolutely no reward or outcome."

Ismail's life was changed forever after being struck in the head by an overpass while subway surfing in June 2022.

He was diagnosed with a severe traumatic brain injury following the incident.

Since then, he has been through three different hospitals, and currently attends Blythedale's Day Hospital program and on-site school, Mount Pleasant Blythedale Union Free School District.

He had to relearn how to walk, speak and repair his basic motor skills.

Hospital officials say they've already admitted five victims of subway surfing in the last year.

Ismail hopes to deter people from partaking in the potentially fatal action and to return soon to the hobbies he loves most: biking, photography and playing the piano.

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