A New York City man who survived being pushed onto subway tracks as a train approached on New Year’s Eve is expected to make a full recovery, according to his family. Meanwhile, the suspect accused of the attack is facing attempted murder charges and remains in custody without bail.
The Incident: Random Subway Attack
Joseph Lynskey, 45, was standing on the platform at the West 18th Street subway station in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood on Tuesday when he was shoved onto the tracks. A 1 train was approaching at the time.
Surveillance footage shows the suspect walking past Lynskey, stopping, and then charging back to push him onto the tracks. The video, widely circulated online, captures the horrifying moment Lynskey fell as the train arrived.
Injuries and Recovery
Lynskey sustained a fractured skull, broken ribs, and a ruptured spleen. Initially listed in critical condition, his status has since been upgraded to stable.
“Miraculously, he survived the horrific attack,” his sister, Jennifer Lynskey, wrote in a Facebook post. She described him as “one of the kindest, most thoughtful, and caring humans.”
Jennifer has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with her brother’s medical bills, raising over $70,000 as of Thursday afternoon.
A New York City DJ and Professional
Lynskey is the head of content and music programming at Gray V, a New York-based company specializing in soundtracks and playlists. Known professionally as DJ Joe Usher, Lynskey grew up in Miami and has built a reputation in the music community.
Suspect Arrested and Charged
Kamel Hawkins, 23, was arrested shortly after the attack. Prosecutors requested that Hawkins be detained without bail, citing the severity of the charges and his prior criminal history.
Hawkins, a Brooklyn resident, has pending assault and harassment charges related to a separate incident in which he allegedly threw bleach on a woman and attempted to break into her home.
Hawkins’ father, Shamel Spencer, expressed shock over the accusations. He told The New York Times that his son had been struggling with mental health issues and didn’t seem like himself in recent weeks.
Subway Safety Under Scrutiny
This incident has reignited concerns about safety in New York City’s subway system, where random acts of violence continue to make headlines.
While Lynskey’s survival is remarkable, safety experts emphasize the importance of staying alert on platforms. In some cases, lying flat between the tracks or finding space between the train and platform can save lives.
Authorities have not detailed how Lynskey avoided a fatal outcome, but videos from the scene show firefighters pulling him to safety from between subway cars.
