Male model dies after catching fire while train surfing Metro-North car in Connecticut

An Ohio native working as a model and actor in New York City died Monday after catching fire a day earlier while train surfing atop a Metro-North car, authorities said Monday.

Brian McClellen, 21, was fighting for his life after he was found burning on the New York City-bound train as it rolled into the Riverside station in Greenwich, Conn., about 5 a.m. Sunday.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority confirmed Monday that the Cleveland native died of his severe injuries. 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.

A crewmember used a fire extinguisher to douse the blaze, the MTA said, but McClellan suffered burns to 85% of his body.

Police think McClellen, who lived near Union Square, somehow got atop the car at the Stamford station. About 20 people were taken off the train, which lost power, after the incident.

Police reportedly have video of him climbing aboard, which is being reviewed.

Ryan Colby, McClellen’s agent, said the young man moved to New York City two years ago with dreams of making it big as an actor and model. This week alone, McClellan was set to work on set at three different TV and movie shoots, including a show starring Hilary Duff and a thriller, called “Urge,” featuring Pierce Brosnan.

The peak came after a bit of a rut for McClellan, who was still learning to balance the responsibilities of adulthood, Colby said. He also had a bit of a daredevil streak, Colby said, like many of the young men he represents.

 

“It’s part of what you do when you're a boy between 17 and 25 years old and you think you’re invincible,” the devastated agent said of his client, whom he described as having a “beautiful smile.” “If I was annoyed about something, I couldn’t stay mad at him for more than 5 minutes because he’d do something to change the mood,” Clady added.

McClellan’s mother made it to his bedside sometime after the accident, while his roommate stayed at Westchester Medical Center after first hearing what had happened, Colby said.

 

McClellan described himself as an actor and model on his Facebook page, which stunned friends and family used to mourn the 21-year-old.

“I’m just in shock of what I found out,” Madie Miller wrote. “You were such a good man and a great friend. You’ve touched my life and others in so many ways. I’m really going to miss you. Rest In Peace Brian McClellen, you are loved.”

"My dear nephew Brian, my heart aches this morning," added Patty Waugaman McClellen. "I will miss you dearly, your beautiful smile, your warm personality, and your positive outlook on life. You were such a wonderful joy to us all. Be at peace, it was too soon for you to be taken from us all, you will be in our hearts forever. RIP, Brian."