NEW YORK – A man who narrowly escaped being pushed onto subway tracks expressed his determination to return to the transit system, despite the harrowing experience he went through. Joseph Lynskey shared his resolve during a recent interview, stating, “This city is my home, and I won’t be intimidated.” At 45, Lynskey faced significant physical and emotional trauma after the incident that unfolded on New Year’s Eve.

On that day, after having lunch in Manhattan, Lynskey was waiting on the platform at the West 18th Street station when a sudden shove sent him tumbling as a 1 train approached. Reflecting on his thoughts at that moment, he remarked, “My life did not flash before my eyes. My thought was, ‘I’ve been pushed, and I’m going to get hit by the train.’” After landing on his left side between the tracks, Lynskey endured multiple injuries, including four broken ribs, a fractured skull, a ruptured spleen, and a concussion.

What made the situation even more alarming was that he found himself beneath the oncoming train. The incident was caught on surveillance footage, and it was categorized as random by law enforcement. Later that same day, Kamel Hawkins, a 23-year-old man, was apprehended and has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder and assault.

Fears of being pushed onto subway tracks have haunted many New Yorkers, despite such incidents being infrequent compared to the millions of subway journeys made daily. However, the severity of such events remains clear; just months before Lynskey’s experience, a similar attack resulted in a fatality in East Harlem. In light of Lynskey’s ordeal, he emphasized the need for increased safety measures within the subway system. “The subway is the lifeline of this city,” he stated. “I don’t think any New Yorker should have to stand against a wall or hold on to a pillar to feel safe as the train approaches.” He stressed the importance of governmental action, urging officials to “do better” and “protect your citizens.”

Following this incident and other related attacks, New York Governor Kathy Hochul advocated for heightened police presence in subway stations during nighttime hours and suggested reforms to the state’s laws to enable more involuntary commitments for those dealing with mental health issues.

Lynskey, a long-time New Yorker, has lived in the city for 25 years and holds a position as the head of content and music programming at Gray V, a firm known for crafting ambient music for commercial spaces. He also showcases his talent as a DJ, performing under the name DJ Joe Usher. When the incident occurred, he was on his way back to Brooklyn after a lunch with friends and had initially planned to take an express train. However, to escape the chill, he opted for the local train for just one stop instead.

His experience on the platform was brief—under a minute—before he was unexpectedly shoved. He was checking his Spotify when he felt the violent push. Once under the train, he was acutely aware of the danger posed by the nearby third rail and lay still, calling out for help. “I’ve been pushed! Someone, please, please help me!” he shouted.

The scene was chaotic as emergency services rushed in. Two firefighters managed to lower themselves underneath the train, instructing Lynskey to remain motionless to avoid electrocution. They promptly worked to pull him free by his arms, saying, “We need to get you the hell out.”

After spending a week in the hospital, Lynskey is now on the road to recovery, engaging in physical therapy and welcoming friends and family during his recuperation. Though he has difficulty sleeping due to pain and tries to avoid revisiting the footage of his ordeal, he noted ironically that it was the first clip TikTok showed him shortly after the incident.

As the weeks have passed, Lynskey has shifted his focus to the positives in life, even finding humor in his situation. “When I was under the train, I thought a lot about my family and my life,” he recalled. “I also was thinking, ‘I guess I’m not going to Armando’s ‘Wicked’ New Year’s Eve party.’” He now feels a sense of purpose, believing that his survival is for a greater reason. “Being of service is something I really plan on focusing on for the next part of my life,” he affirmed.