Tragedy struck the family of Helen McDonald Phalon over Easter weekend. The 21-year-old aspiring actress was waiting on her No. 6 train at Union Square around 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, when an MTA train dragged her onto the subway tracks. MTA workers cut power to the tracks as first-responders attempted to save her.
Unfortunately, Phalon was ultimately pronounced dead on the scene.
As Phalon was waiting and the train approached the station platform, her clothes or body parts reportedly got stuck in the train and that is what jolted her onto the tracks, according to the Wall Street Journal.
“Preliminary investigation indicates [Phalon’s death was] accidental, however, the investigation is ongoing,” the New York Police Department said in a statement.
At the time of her passing, Phalon was an employee at ThinkGeek in Manhattan.
The company took to social media to honor her memory.
“This Holiday weekend has brought with it some tragic news,” the statement on social media read. “[Helen] was an amazing person to work with and simply a good-hearted individual. Helen was 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. Though this loss has dimmed our lives for the moment, we keep her memories alive in our hearts. We love you, Helen!”
A GoFundMe account has also been set up to assist in funeral costs. At the time of this writing, nearly $5,000 has already been donated.
The New York Police Department continues to investigate exactly how Phalon was dragged onto the tracks, but the incident was captured on surveillance video which will assist in the ongoing investigation.
Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of Helen McDonald Phalon during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.
