Mom dies falling down stairs at NYC subway station as officials seek better accessibility

Brett Molina | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Mother dies after falling down subway staircase while pushing stroller A fall down a New York City subway staircase killed a Connecticut mother while she was holding her 1-year-old daughter in a stroller. Veuer's Nick Cardona has that story.

A 22-year-old mother died at a New York City subway station after falling down the stairs while holding a baby stroller, and lawmakers are urging transit officials to do more to improve accessibility.

On Monday night, Malaysia Goodson was found dead on the platform at the 7th Avenue/53rd Street station, reports WABC.

The station where Goodson was found did not have an elevator, and two escalators only going up, reports The New York Post.

Goodson's 1-year-old daughter was found conscious at the scene and wasn't hurt, reports NBC New York. Police aren't sure whether Goodson carried or pushed the stroller down the stairs, but said it was in her hands with the girl tucked inside, said the report.

According to The New York Times, a medical examiner is still determining whether the fall caused Goodson's death or she suffered from a medical condition.

In a statement to the Times, the Metropolitan Transit Authority called the incident a "heartbreaking tragedy" and said it's working with police.

Meanwhile, city lawmakers are criticizing the subway system for not making stations accessible enough. "This is a heartbreaking tragedy that never should have happened," said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio in a post on Twitter. "The subway system is not accessible for everyone and that’s an environment the MTA should not allow."

Only about a quarter of New York City’s 472 subway stations have elevators, and the elevators that do exist are often out of service.

New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson said the city must do more to help families and the disabled. "The lack of accessibility in our subways is literally killing people," said Johnson in a post on Twitter. "I am heartbroken by this tragedy, and am keeping this family in my thoughts."

The lack of accessibility in our subways is literally killing people. I am heartbroken by this tragedy, and am keeping this family in my thoughts. NYC must do more for families and the disabled. https://t.co/X2w91JdKtD — NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson (@NYCSpeakerCoJo) January 29, 2019

This is a heartbreaking tragedy that never should have happened. The subway system is not accessible for everyone and that’s an environment the MTA should not allow. https://t.co/X89fQep0LY — Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) January 29, 2019

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.