Bergen Co. Man Dragged, Killed By NYC Subway: Police

WESTWOOD, NJ — A 20-year-old Westwood man was dragged and killed by a New York City subway on Monday after his clothing or backpack apparently got stuck in the doors, the New York City Police Department said.

Joseph Ancona, a member of the Metropolitan Opera's stage crew, was running for an uptown 1 train at the 59th Street-Columbus Circle Station when the incident occurred.

The Met's General Manager Peter Gelb confirmed that Ancona worked in electric construction at the opera house.

He was "respected and well-liked by his fellow crew members," Gelb wrote. "Please join me in offering condolences to his family and friends."

Noting the investigation is still in early stages, New York City Transit President Richard Davey said the incident appears a "terrible accident" that did not involve criminal activity.

"Our thoughts are with (Ancona's) family, the train operator and riders who witnessed this tragedy," Davey said. "We will get to the cause and learn any lessons that may emerge as there is no higher priority than safety.”