A 21-year-old aspiring actress was killed at Union Square station in Manhattan on April 20 after she was caught by the train as it pulled into the station.
Video captured by surveillance cameras shows that McDonald-Phalon was dragged on the platform before being thrown on the tracks.
Emergency responders tried to save her life while power to the tracks was cut off, but she was declared dead on the scene.
New York Police Department said McDonald-Phalon’s death was accidental, however, the investigation is still ongoing.
“She was an amazing, beautiful light, and I’m devastated,” the mother told WSJ.
A GoFundMe campaign started by McDonald-Phalon’s friends describes her as a “deeply caring, empathetic, and most of all humorous person.”
“A true beacon of joy and positivity to all those fortunate enough to know her, or know of her,” the GoFundMe page said.
She was working at ThinkGeek in Manhattan at the time of her death.
“Though this loss has dimmed our lives for the moment, we keep her memories alive in our hearts. We love you, Helen!” the GoFundMe page said.
“Helen has been my friend since we were little girls. We lived next door to each other for about 13 years and did just about everything together, and she was a friend who you could rely on to make you smile or be a good listener. Rest in Peace beautiful friend,” Pereira said.
McDonald-Phalon’s family also took to GoFundMe page to express their loss. “Helen was my granddaughter and a true delight all her life. I will miss her so much and grieve for her precious life cut so short,” said Janice McDonald.
Another user, Maria-Teresa Feliciano shared how McDonald-Phalon became a part of her life from being a complete stranger.
“Helen entered my life last year as a stranger and quickly became family and like the daughter I always wanted. We would spend hours together talking about so many things, her sense of humor always brought a smile to my face and she could always made me laugh,” wrote Feliciano.
Mother Falls Down Subway Stairs
In another accidental death at the New York subway this year, a young woman who was pushing her 1-year-old in a stroller was killed when she fell down a flight of stairs at a New York City subway station.Goodson, who was from Connecticut, was found unconscious on the platform.
The child, Rhylee, was not harmed in the incident.
Goodson was sent to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The New York City Police Department said that it isn’t clear how she fell down. They said it’s unclear if she had some sort of medical episode or slipped, and her family said they’re not sure either, according to NBC.
