Man Pushed onto NYC Train Tracks Thanks First Responders: “I am Full of Gratitude”
A Survivor’s Journey
The man who survived being violently pushed onto subway tracks in front of an oncoming train in Chelsea on New Year’s Eve thanked the first responders who saved his life in his first message since the terrifying attack. Joseph Lynskey, 45, is expected to make a full recovery, his family has said, after a stranger pushed him onto the tracks of an approaching 1 train at the West 18th Street station. His injuries included a fractured skull, broken ribs and a ruptured spleen, authorities said.
A Hero’s Story
“Miraculously, he survived the horrific attack, but he suffered many injuries and remains hospitalized in NY,” his sister, Jennifer Lynskey, wrote in a Facebook post right after the attack. “Anyone who’s ever met Joe knows he’s one of the kindest, most thoughtful, and caring humans out there.”
A Long Road Ahead
“Joe has a long road ahead of him, both physically and emotionally/mentally,” she continued.
A Message of Appreciation
Last week, the 45-year-old shared a message of appreciation to all of the people who have supported him since the Dec. 31 shove.
“A massive thank you to the first responders who saved my life on New Year’s Eve, the bystanders—especially the good Samaritan outside the train who provided comfort—and to the medical teams at Bellevue for their remarkable care in helping me begin my recovery,” Joseph Lynskey said in a message posted to his GoFundMe, which is nearing its goal.
“I am full of gratitude for every single one of you,” he added.
About the Suspect
Police said the suspect accused of violently pushing a man onto subway tracks in front of an oncoming train in Chelsea on New Year’s Eve has been arrested on an attempted murder charge. Kamel Hawkins, 23, was taken into custody later that day. A judge in Manhattan approved a request by prosecutors on Wednesday to detain the Brooklyn resident without bail pending his next court appearance on Monday.
Additional Information
Authorities did not say how Lynskey escaped with just broken bones. While a direct hit with a train is often fatal, some who fall from New York City’s platforms do manage to survive. Safety experts say if it’s not possible to get back on a platform or outrun a slowing train, lying down in the trough between the tracks may work in some stations, and there might be a space between the train and the platform at some stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Joseph Lynskey?
A: Joseph Lynskey is a 45-year-old man who was pushed onto the subway tracks in Chelsea on New Year’s Eve. He is the head of content and music programming for Gray V, a New York City-based company that creates soundtracks and music playlists for customers.
Q: What are his injuries?
A: Lynskey suffered a fractured skull, broken ribs, and a ruptured spleen, authorities said.
Q: What is the status of the suspect?
A: The suspect, Kamel Hawkins, 23, has been arrested on an attempted murder charge. He is currently being held without bail pending his next court appearance on Monday.
