Model Dies Train Surfing: 21-Year-Old Model Gets Electrocuted, Dies On NYC-Bound Train

A model dies after train surfing in Connecticut, suffering burns over 85 percent of his body. According to the New York Daily News, 21-year-old Brian McClellen was found on top of a New York City-bound train when it arrived at Riverside station in Greenwich, Conn. on Sunday. Police believe that McClellen climbed on top of the train, perhaps for fun, but got struck by a pantograph, which essentially electrocuted him, leaving his body to burn on top of the train.

“He likely was badly burned after coming in contact with a pantograph, a mechanized arm pulsing with 12,500 volts of electricity that connects the train with overhead power lines, MTA spokesman Aaron Donovan said.”

The model who died after train surfing had moved to New York in 2012 to pursue his dreams of becoming an actor. Just this week McClellen was scheduled to work on three different shoots, including work on television and in film. It is unknown why he would risk his life, or even put himself in danger of getting injured given the work he had scheduled for the week, but police are investigating. There is video footage, though it is unclear what the footage shows, that is being looked at.

Many seem to think that this was just an accident that resulted in a teen’s bad decision to have some fun.

“It’s part of what you do when you’re a boy between 17 and 25 years old and you think you’re invincible. If I was annoyed about something, I couldn’t stay mad at him for more than five minutes because he’d do something to change the mood,” said McClellen’s agent, Ryan Colby.

The model didn’t die immediately after the train surfing accident. According to The SpreadIt, McClellen was alive when he was found, though he was in very bad shape. He was rushed to an area hospital, but succumbed to his injuries 24 hours later. His mother was by his side, and is understandably heartbroken. Many people had such wonderful things to say about the young star, who may have been on the verge of making it big.

A lot of young talent seems to be leaving the world too soon lately. In a related report by the Inquisitr, 32-year-old Joanne Borgella died last month after a battle with cancer. Borgella was on American Idol, and did work as a plus-size model. While Borgella died in a very different manner than McClellen, the two were both very talented, well-liked people.

[Photo courtesy of Facebook]