Jordan Neely was a talented dancer and homeless performer who tragically lost his life in a heartbreaking incident on a New York City subway on May 1, 2023. Born on December 18, 1992, in New York City, NY, Jordan had a tumultuous life filled with challenges and hardships.
Throughout his life, Jordan faced numerous obstacles, including the loss of his mother at a young age. When he was just 14 years old, his mother was tragically murdered by her abusive boyfriend. Her body was found in a suitcase, and Jordan was called to testify at her murder trial, a traumatic experience that would haunt him for years to come. As a result of his mother's death, Jordan struggled with depression, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder, leading him to be placed in foster care.
Despite the challenges he faced, Jordan's passion for dance and performance shone through. He became known as a talented Michael Jackson impersonator, captivating audiences with his moves and charisma. However, Jordan's life took a dark turn as he found himself caught up in a cycle of arrests, with a total of 42 prior arrests to his name, mostly for minor offenses.
His criminal record included three unprovoked attacks on women in the subway and a child endangerment charge for dragging a seven-year-old girl down the street. Despite these serious offenses, Jordan also faced struggles with mental health and homelessness, with New York City officials recognizing his vulnerability by placing him on a Top 50 list of homeless New Yorkers most in need of care and assistance.
On that fateful day in May, Jordan's life came to a tragic end in a disturbing incident on the subway. Witnesses reported that Jordan boarded the subway car and began yelling about his hunger and thirst, expressing a willingness to go to prison and even referencing his readiness to die. Fellow passenger and journalist Juan Alberto Vázquez began recording the chaotic scene as it unfolded.
As tensions escalated, Daniel Penny, a former marine, approached Jordan and put him in a chokehold, with other passengers helping to restrain his arms and legs. The chokehold lasted for several minutes, ultimately leading to Jordan's untimely death. Despite efforts to save him, Jordan was pronounced dead at Lenox Hill Hospital, leaving a void in the lives of those who knew him.
Jordan Neely's story is one of tragedy and resilience, a reminder of the complexities of human existence and the struggles faced by those on the margins of society. While his life may have been marked by hardship and turmoil, Jordan's passion for dance and performance remained a beacon of light in a world filled with darkness.
Jordan was born to Andre Zachery and Christy Neely and raised in Bayonne, New Jersey. His mother's tragic death had a profound impact on his life, leading to a series of challenges and struggles that shaped his journey. Despite the difficulties he faced, Jordan's family remained a source of love and support, even as he grappled with the demons of his past.
His aunt has spoken about his struggles with mental health and the lasting impact of his mother's death, highlighting the profound trauma he experienced at a young age. Through it all, Jordan's family stood by him, offering what comfort and care they could in the face of overwhelming adversity.
While Jordan's life may have been cut short, his memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His passion for dance, his resilience in the face of adversity, and his unwavering spirit serve as a testament to the strength and resilience of the human soul.
As we reflect on Jordan Neely's life, may we remember the struggles he faced, the battles he fought, and the love that surrounded him. In a world filled with darkness, may his light continue to shine bright, a reminder of the power of resilience, compassion, and love.