Somerville, Massachusetts — Officials have determined the cause of death for a Massachusetts father of two who died following a tragic escalator accident at a subway station earlier this year, shedding new light on the circumstances that led to his fatal injuries.
According to the Massachusetts Office of the Medical Examiner, Steven McCluskey, 40, died after his clothing became caught in an escalator at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Davis Station in Somerville on February 27.
The medical examiner ruled his death an accident.
Medical Examiner Details Fatal Injuries
Officials said McCluskey was strangled by his clothing after becoming trapped at the base of the escalator, cutting off oxygen to his brain.
The resulting lack of oxygen caused hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, a serious brain injury that occurs when oxygen or blood flow to the brain is interrupted.
The medical examiner also listed blunt force trauma as a contributing factor in his death.
McCluskey remained hospitalized for several days before dying 10 days after the incident.
Surveillance Video Captured the Incident
According to previously released surveillance footage, McCluskey was riding the escalator down to the subway platform at approximately 5 a.m. when he fell near the bottom.
Authorities said he became trapped as the escalator continued moving.
Video reviewed by local media reportedly showed people walking past him for roughly 22 minutes, with some briefly stopping before continuing on without intervening.
The situation ended only after an MBTA employee noticed McCluskey and pressed the emergency stop button, bringing the escalator to a halt.
When first responders arrived, officials said McCluskey had no pulse.
Family Speaks Out Following Tragedy
McCluskey’s sister, Shannon Flaherty, previously expressed heartbreak and frustration over the response from those who passed by during the emergency.
“I’ll be honest, I have never had such a lack of faith in humanity ever,” Flaherty previously told The Boston Globe.
She said the incident permanently changed her perspective on how people react during emergencies.
“It has completely changed the perspective I have on people and human behavior,” she continued. “It is, for lack of a better word, despicable. I just can’t believe that so many people had the same inclination to just walk by.”
Speaking after her brother’s death, Flaherty also said:
“Regardless of what his cause of death was, nobody should be there for 18 minutes, unconscious, being strangled by their own clothes, not able to yell for help.”
MBTA Reminds Public About Emergency Stop Buttons
Following the incident, the MBTA described the tragedy as a “terrible accident” and reminded passengers that every escalator is equipped with emergency stop buttons.
The transit agency said anyone witnessing an emergency can immediately press the red “STOP” button located at both the top and bottom of each escalator before calling 911.
Officials added that MBTA employees are trained to respond quickly to emergencies and secure the area when incidents occur.
Friends and family have remembered McCluskey as a talented carpenter and devoted father of two boys, whose sudden death has left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
The tragic case has also sparked renewed discussion about public awareness during emergencies and the importance of recognizing when someone nearby may need immediate assistance.
What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking case? Do you think more public education is needed about using emergency stop buttons and responding during emergencies? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
