Subway shove survivor recalls how he cheated death after a madman pushed him directly into the path of an oncoming train in New York City, weaving a narrative that intertwines fright, vulnerability, and resilience.
Joseph Lynskey, a 45-year-old New Yorker, was standing innocently on the platform at the 18th Street subway station in Manhattan. It was December 31, a day filled with anticipation for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Having just enjoyed a festive meal with friends, he was headed home with cheerful thoughts, oblivious to the life-altering moment awaiting him.
In an instant, Lynskey was thrust into the air, suspended over the unforgiving tracks. As he glanced down, the bright lights of an approaching subway train radiated an alarming clarity, and time seemed to slow. “I just thought, ‘I’ve been pushed, and I’m going to die,'” he recounted to Good Morning America. The realization that someone had intentionally sent him into harm’s way resonated within him like a deafening echo.
His fragile human form crashed onto the hard ground between the tracks. As the adrenaline subsided, a reality loomed: survival was no guarantee. The lethal third rail, containing dangerous electrical currents, lay perilously close. Lynskey’s mind raced with survival instincts, echoing his desperate thoughts, “If you touch it at all, you will die immediately.” The urgency of staying still and not succumbing to panic became his guiding principle in that moment of crisis.
Four agonizing minutes ticked by until the sound of approaching sirens finally offered him a glimmer of hope. “I closed my eyes because then I guess I felt kind of safe that help had arrived,” he noted, allowing himself to trust in the guardians of the city who were racing to effectuate a rescue.
Thanks to the brave actions of the Fire Department of New York, Lynskey was safely extracted from the tracks and transported to Bellevue Hospital. Yet the physical toll was heavy: a fractured skull, four broken ribs, and a ruptured spleen. Through the pain, he extended heartfelt gratitude to his rescuers, particularly John and Jonathan, who personally ensured he was freed from under the subway train.
With a determined heart, Lynskey’s thoughts turned towards his cherished 16-year-old rescue dog, Leo, a dachshund waiting at home. “I know I’m really, really hurt, but you need to help me get to my dog,” he expressed to the firefighters, highlighting the profound bond that transcends the chaos of tragedy.
His recovery journey included five days in the intensive care unit, filled with moments of vulnerability tempered by the exceptional care he received. “The nursing staff and the entire care team were truly amazing,” he emphasized, underscoring the human connection formed during his ordeal.
Surviving a near-fatal encounter has shifted Lynskey’s perspective on life. He shared, “It’s a powerful reminder that this can all be taken away from you at any moment, and you have to keep going. Life is too short.” Embracing this reality, he resolved to continue with newfound purpose and resilience.
My whole life has changed…
In less than an hour, authorities apprehended a suspect identified as Kamel Hawkins, a 23-year-old Brooklyn resident with a troubled past, including nine previous arrests. Reflecting on this encounter with his assailant, Lynskey chose not to dwell on anger or resentment. Instead, he focused on his healing, stating, “He’s 23. I don’t know much about him. I’m focusing on getting myself back to my life.”
In a world filled with unpredictability, he emerged from this traumatic incident with a deeper understanding of life’s fragility. Each moment holds the possibility of joy and loss, and Lynskey is determined to embrace it all, cherishing both the simple and profound aspects of existence.
