Officials said track Supervisor James Knell, 45, came into contact with the electrified third rail at the Beach 90th Street A S Station in Queens.
Knell, an MTA New York City Transit employee for 13 years and a Supervisor for the past 9 years, was part of the crew working on a station rehabilitation project in the Rockaways.
He was killed instantly.
The incident occurred shortly before the area was to be returned to service for the Monday morning rush.
A and S trains were suspended between Rockaway Park-Beach 116 Street and Broad Channel stations. Shuttle bus service was set up.
"We lost one of our own this morning and labeling this incident a tragedy is a painful statement of the obvious," said MTA NYC Transit President Thomas F. Prendergast.
An investigation is underway to determine what led to the accident.
James Knell was a resident of East Rockaway, Long Island. He is survived by his wife and two step-children.
In a statement, the MTA wrote, "The thoughts and prayers of the entire MTA NYC Transit family are with the extended family, friends and loved ones of Supervisor Knell during this difficult time."
A transit spokesman says it's their first fatality in three years.
