The Bay Ridge community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 12-year-old Zemfira Mukhtarov, a bright and creative TikTok content creator who tragically died while subway surfing in New York City.
The devastating incident occurred late Monday evening when Zemfira was riding atop a moving train near the Bay Ridge Avenue station. Authorities report that she lost her balance as the train entered a tunnel, sustaining fatal injuries. Emergency crews responded immediately, but Zemfira was pronounced dead at the scene.
Zemfira had built a small but growing presence on TikTok, sharing videos about her daily life, school, and adventures around Brooklyn. Friends and classmates describe her as joyful, curious, and fearless — a child who loved to explore and bring smiles to those around her. Recently, she had shown interest in the dangerous viral trend of subway surfing, a challenge that has already resulted in multiple serious injuries and deaths across New York City.
Her untimely death has reignited urgent discussions about social media influence, youth safety, and the risks of viral online challenges. The NYPD and MTA are urging parents to educate children about the deadly consequences of such activities and to monitor their online interactions.
At just 12 years old, Zemfira’s life was full of promise. She dreamed of becoming a digital creator and was admired for her imagination, humor, and infectious energy. Her loss has left family, friends, and the community in shock, grappling with how quickly joy can turn to tragedy.
A memorial of candles and flowers now stands outside the Bay Ridge Avenue station, where loved ones gather to honor Zemfira’s bright spirit and to advocate for change, hoping her story will prevent future tragedies.