Dead man may have been on subway 'for hours'

A man was found dead on a New York underground train near the start of the morning rush hour, raising the possibility that his lifeless body rode the train for several hours overnight, authorities said.

Eugene Reilly, 64, a US Postal Service employee, was discovered yesterday morning, said James Anyansi, spokesman for New York’s transit system.

The train was evacuated while emergency medical technicians were called to the scene.

Authorities reported there were no signs of foul play or any injuries.

An autopsy was scheduled to determine the cause of death and exactly how long Reilly had ridden aboard the train after his death.

Reilly typically worked a 4pm to 12.30am shift as a mail handler. If he left work at the usual time, and apparently died during his 35-minute trip home to Brooklyn, Reilly could have spent six hours aboard the train before he was discovered.

In June 1999, a passenger shared his ride with commuters for about five hours before anyone noticed he was dead.

The man appeared to be sleeping, with his eyes closed and his head bowed.