Teen Jumps to Death, Metro-North Backed Up During Evening Rush

UPDATE: 'Contagion' May Have Played a Role to Fordham Prep Student's Suicide: Psychologist

Thousands of commuters were stranded at Grand Central Terminal Monday evening when Metro-North service on the Harlem and New Haven lines shut down for a police investigation at Botanical Gardens in the Bronx, officials say. 

The commuter rail service was delayed up to an hour after after a teenage boy, identified by law enforcement officials as a student enrolled at nearby Fordham Prep, jumped in front of a train during the afternoon, killing himself.

Police activity at the station lasted into the evening hours, and trains bypassed all stations in the Bronx for a period of time. Metro-North lines were delayed in both directions. 

Crowds at Grand Central were elbow to elbow at the height of evening rush hour. 

"It was absolutely wild to see this crowd, it's like a sea of people," said Ali McDowell. 

Stacey Geisinger added, "I've never seen so many people here. I've lived here my whole life. It's packed." 

The MTA said the two lines had to be shut down because they share the same track at the Botanical Gardens stop. While service has resumed, there were still some residual delays on the New Haven line late Monday night. 

A message was left with Fordham Prep. Another student at the school fatally jumped in front of a Metro-North train in Philipse Manor in Westchester two weeks ago.

The MTA says it will have additional police officers on station platforms near Fordham Prep Tuesday. 

-- Additional reporting by Jonathan Dienst 

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