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The New York man whose subway chokehold death sparked widespread outrage this week was remembered by family and friends as a caring entertainer with a “beautiful smile,” whose life unraveled following his mother’s tragic murder more than a decade ago.

Jordan Neely, 30, died on May 1 after a Marine restrained him in a chokehold for several minutes on the F train, reportedly in response to Neely’s aggressive outbursts.

Known to New York City authorities as a struggling drifter, Neely often spoke of his battles with mental illness. He had told police he was schizophrenic and at times suicidal, reflecting a life marked by pain and instability.

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Jordan Neely, the New York man whose death in a subway chokehold has ignited widespread outcry, was remembered by loved ones as a gifted entertainer with a "beautiful smile." His life took a tragic turn following his mother's brutal murder more than a decade ago, leading to a struggle with mental illness.

Neely, 30, died on May 1 after being restrained in a chokehold by a Marine for several minutes during an incident on the F train, where he allegedly began ranting aggressively.

Known to New York City authorities, Neely had a history of mental health challenges. He often spoke about his struggles with schizophrenia and suicidal thoughts, painting a picture of a man battling profound personal pain.

A Natural Performer

Close family friend Nedra Guaba, from Washington Heights, shared that Jordan Neely was a natural entertainer with a passion for performing Michael Jackson impressions in the subway.

“He loved being at train stations,” she said. “He wasn’t aggressive—that’s not who he was. Dancing was his outlet, and he loved it.”

In a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses, Jordan’s aunt, Carolyn Neely, described him as a “talented Black man who loved to dance.”

                                                              Jordan Neely died on May 1

A Teenage Tragedy

Those who knew Jordan best acknowledged his long battle with mental illness, which they believe was triggered by the tragic loss of his mother, Christie Neely, years ago.

Christie Neely, 36, was tragically murdered in April 2007 by her partner, Shawn Southerland, who allegedly strangled her, placed her body in a suitcase, and abandoned it along the shoulder of the Henry Hudson Parkway, according to a 2012 NJ.com report.

Jordan, a teenager at the time, was called to testify against Southerland.

“The relationship had been crazy … a fight every day,” Jordan said during his testimony.

He also shared a heartbreaking memory from the morning of his mother’s death, recalling how he tried to say goodbye to her before school but was stopped by Southerland.