Model dies after catching fire while train surfing in US

A model and actor who caught fire while train surfing in the US has died from his injuries.

The agent for Ohio native Brian McClellen confirmed the 21-year-old's death on Monday, just one day after his client was electrocuted atop a New York-bound train in neighbouring Connecticut, the New York Daily News reports.

"I kind of knew if he lived through the night it would be a supreme miracle," agent Ryan Colby told the newspaper.

"I'm a realist and was prepared for this."

Video filmed at the Stamford rail station in Connecticut shows an apparently intoxicated McClellen atop the New Haven line train shortly before 5.10am on Sunday.

McClellen's body was found "smoking" above the sixth car moments later by workers investigating why power to the train was cut.

He was rushed to hospital with electrical burns, some third-degree, on more than 90 percent of his body after reportedly coming in contact with the train's pantograph, a metal arm that collects 12,5000 volts on overheard wires.

McClellen was due to begin work on a TV show alongside actor Hilary Duff next week, having turned down a part in Pierce Brosnan's new film Urge.

Tributes have appeared on social media for the self-described daredevil, who regularly posted videos that appeared to show him leaping off roofs and bridges.

In a post last year, he wrote: "I know I'm going to change the world. It's only a matter of time."

Author: Chloe Ross, Approving editor: Lachlan Williams
Source: New York Daily News