2 Teens Arrested After Botched TikTok Stunt Leaves 16-Year-Old Trapped on Queensboro Bridge

The teen was allegedly planning to post the stunt on TikTok when he fell down a 50-foot shaft on the Manhattan-bound side of the bridge.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Two teenagers, a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old, have been arrested in connection with an incident on the Queensboro Bridge where a 16-year-old boy fell down a 50-foot-deep shaft while allegedly attempting a TikTok stunt. The teen was left trapped for over four hours before being rescued by firefighters, and his family is accusing his friends of recording the incident and posting the video online instead of calling for help.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of social media-driven stunts and the potential consequences of prioritizing online attention over safety. It also raises concerns about the responsibility of friends and bystanders in emergency situations.

The details

According to the NYPD, the 14-year-old has been charged with reckless endangerment and criminal trespassing, while the 15-year-old has been charged with criminal trespassing. The 16-year-old victim, Frankie, is still facing a long road of surgeries, recovery, and rehabilitation, as well as a long list of medical bills.

  • On Monday around 9 p.m., firefighters found the boy in the shaft on the Manhattan-bound side of the Queensboro Bridge.
  • The incident is believed to have occurred earlier on Monday, with the teen allegedly planning to post the stunt on TikTok.

The players

Frankie

A 16-year-old boy who was left trapped in a 50-foot-deep shaft on the Queensboro Bridge after a botched TikTok stunt.

14-year-old

A teenager who has been charged with reckless endangerment and criminal trespassing in connection with the incident.

15-year-old

A teenager who has been charged with criminal trespassing in connection with the incident.

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What they’re saying

“Instead of helping him, they left him there. They even took his phone and disposed of it, leaving him with no way to call for help. Frankie lay alone for over four hours, bleeding and exposed to the cold.”

— Frankie's Family (Change.org)

What’s next

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and police on Long Island have said that there is one other teen involved. No additional charges have been filed as of Friday morning.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of social media-driven stunts and the importance of prioritizing safety over online attention. It also highlights the need for greater awareness and education around the responsibilities of friends and bystanders in emergency situations.