A disturbing incident at Manhattan's Union Square subway station has resulted in the death of a 24-year-old woman with a controversial history. The event, which occurred on June 16, has raised questions about subway safety and facility accessibility.

According to the New York Post, Meanna Torigoe was fatally struck by a northbound L train after descending onto the tracks at approximately 10:20 p.m. Law enforcement sources revealed she had entered the restricted area to relieve herself, as station restrooms were closed at the time of the incident.

The tragedy was captured on surveillance footage, showing Torigoe using a ladder to access the tracks despite prominent warning signs. After disappearing briefly into the tunnel, she attempted to return to the platform but was struck by an oncoming train while trying to climb back up, leading to her immediate death.

Previous Legal Troubles Cast Shadow Over Incident

Torigoe's past includes serious legal entanglements that have marked her young life. In March 2022, she faced murder and manslaughter charges alongside her then-boyfriend John Delgado in connection with their roommate's death in the Bronx.

The case against Torigoe and Delgado centered around allegations of a fatal altercation over noise complaints. The incident resulted in their roommate being beaten and stabbed to death, leading to multiple charges, including criminal possession of a weapon.

At the time of her death, Torigoe was serving probation related to a weapons charge, though the exact resolution of her murder case remains unclear. The Bronx District Attorney's Office had previously dismissed murder charges against Delgado, while a grand jury was unable to reach a decision on manslaughter charges.

Station Safety and Accessibility Concerns Surface

The tragic incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about subway station facilities and safety measures. The Union Square station's restrooms, which close at 7 p.m., left Torigoe with limited options at the late hour.

Safety experts and transit advocates have long debated the effectiveness of current track access prevention measures. The presence of warning signs and restricted access points hasn't fully deterred individuals from entering dangerous areas.

The incident has prompted discussions about extending bathroom availability and improving safety barriers in subway stations. Transit officials face mounting pressure to address these infrastructure challenges while maintaining efficient service.

Investigation Reveals Disturbing Final Moments

Law enforcement sources have provided detailed accounts of the sequence of events leading to Torigoe's death. The surveillance footage shows her initial descent onto the tracks and the horrifying moments that followed.

Other commuters present at the station witnessed the tragic impact, with video showing them recoiling as the train struck Torigoe. Emergency responders arrived quickly but were unable to save her life. Police investigators have concluded that no criminal activity was involved in the incident. The case has been classified as an accidental death, though it continues to raise questions about subway system safety protocols.

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

1. Subway safety warnings should always be taken seriously. Even in moments of desperation, descending onto train tracks is a life-threatening choice. The signage is placed to prevent fatal incidents like this from occurring.

2. Access to public restrooms can prevent risky behaviors. When facilities like bathrooms are not available late into the evening, individuals may take dangerous steps to meet basic needs. City planners and transit authorities must consider how a lack of access increases risk for everyone, especially the vulnerable.

3. Do not blame the victim. While it's crucial to highlight lessons, it's equally important to remember that taking every precaution does not guarantee safety. Anyone can find themselves in a moment of crisis or desperation. A public health and safety approach should guide our response to tragedies rather than judgment of the individuals involved.

Why This Story Matters

This incident highlights the ongoing issues surrounding public accommodations and safety within New York City's subway system. Inadequate restroom access and the dangers of platform environments can create deadly situations when compounded by mental health, poverty, or previous trauma.

Moreover, the resurfacing of Torigoe’s legal history adds another layer to the larger conversation around criminal justice reform, especially how the system supports or fails those under legal supervision. As residents and leaders search for ways to safeguard public spaces, stories like these help contextualize the stakes and illustrate the importance of human-centered urban policies.

Twenty-four-year-old Meanna Torigoe died on June 16 after descending onto the tracks at Union Square Station to relieve herself, unaware that a train was approaching. Surveillance footage showed her attempting to climb back to the platform just before a northbound L train fatally struck her. Authorities ruled the death non-criminal, and her passing reopened public discussion of her controversial 2022 arrest for a deadly altercation involving her roommate. The incident calls attention to ongoing safety and accessibility concerns within the New York City subway system.