Nationwide — Ray McKie, a 37-year-old African American subway conductor in New York City, saved a 14-year-old boy who fainted and fell onto the tracks during a rainstorm. By chance, McKie was returning to work when the accident happened, allowing him to prevent a tragedy.
On Aug. 20, McKie was walking through Queensboro Plaza when he heard panicked screams from the platform above. Looking down, he saw the boy lying unconscious on the northbound tracks as a train was approaching.
Despite the heavy rain making the ground slippery, McKie rushed forward and signaled the train to stop. Another bystander had already jumped down to help, which created even greater urgency.
“It all happened very fast, and I just went on instinct,” McKie later told People.
McKie climbed down, lifted the unconscious boy from the tracks, and helped the other passenger back to safety. The teen slowly regained consciousness but was still unsteady. McKie stayed with him, talking to keep him alert in case of a concussion.
Emergency responders arrived within 18 minutes and confirmed the boy had no lasting injuries. Witnesses later explained that the teen fainted before falling. He eventually made a full recovery.
The boy’s first concern after waking up was his sneakers. McKie reassured him, saying, “Don’t worry about your sneakers. You’re fine. You can clean them off.”
At home, McKie’s family celebrated his bravery. His 6-year-old daughter told him, “Daddy, you’re the best New York boy in the world.” His fiancée, who is expecting their second child, reminds him daily that he saved someone’s life.
McKie, who has been with the MTA for nearly two years, credited his instincts, training, and New York upbringing for helping him react so quickly. He also gave credit to the several people who worked together to help.
“I was happy I was there,” he recalled, grateful that timing allowed him to step in when the boy needed help most.