Samuel L. Jackson experienced a chilling encounter with a New York City subway train back in 1990. As he stood at the middle door of the last car in a lengthy station, the door suddenly closed on his foot, and the train lurched into motion. In a moment of sheer panic, Jackson feared for his life as the tunnel loomed ahead. He frantically searched for something to hold onto, but there was nothing in sight. With the tunnel fast approaching, Jackson braced himself for the worst.
Miraculously, the train slowed down and eventually came to a stop, freeing Jackson’s foot and saving his life. It wasn’t until two years later, after a lawsuit against the transit system, that Jackson learned the identity of his savior. A man on crutches had bravely hobbled over to the emergency cord and pulled it, halting the train’s deadly course.
Reflecting on the harrowing experience, Jackson mused, “Things slow down when you’re looking at death.” The classic subway announcement, “Stand clear of the closing doors, please,” had taken on a deeply personal meaning for him that day in New York City.
