Tragedy in the MRI Room: The Hidden Dangers of MRI Scans and the New York Man Pulled to His Death

It happened in seconds. A 20-pound chain wrapped around his neck, and before anyone could stop it, Keith McAllister was ripped into a powerful MRI machine—right in front of his wife. The machine meant to diagnose became a deadly force no one could control.

What Are MRIs and Why Are They Considered Safe?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the most advanced tools in modern medicine. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, MRIs don’t emit harmful ionizing radiation. Instead, they use a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body.

For most people, an MRI is safe and routine. But the tragic death of a New York man has revealed the terrifying power these machines can unleash if safety rules are ignored—even for a moment.

The Incident That Shook Long Island

On July 16, 2025, 61-year-old Keith McAllister accompanied his wife, Adrienne Jones-McAllister, to the Nassau Open MRI clinic in Westbury, Long Island. She was there for a simple knee scan.

While inside the MRI chamber, Adrienne called to her husband, “Keith, come help me up.” Keith entered the scanning room—wearing a heavy weight-training chain around his neck, something he had reportedly worn during previous visits without incident.

Moments later, the MRI machine’s powerful magnet yanked the chain with tremendous force, pulling Keith into the machine. He suffered multiple heart attacks from the trauma and died the following day at the hospital.

“It Snatched Him Like He Was Nothing”

Adrienne watched it happen. “He went limp in my arms,” she said, sobbing. According to a GoFundMe page set up to support her, Keith remained pinned to the machine for nearly an hour before staff could detach the chain.

Adrienne also claimed that clinic staff had seen the chain before and never raised concerns. “This was not the first time that guy [had] seen that chain,” she said. “They had a conversation about it before.”

The Powerful Magnetic Force Inside an MRI

The FDA and the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) both warn that MRI machines have an intense magnetic field—strong enough to fling a wheelchair across a room. That’s why patients and anyone entering an MRI room are supposed to be carefully screened for any metallic objects.

The danger isn’t theoretical. In 2001, a six-year-old boy named Michael Colombini died in a similar incident when an oxygen tank was pulled into an MRI machine in Westchester County, New York.

Was This Preventable?

Absolutely. MRIs are considered safe—but only when operated under strict safety protocols. That means clear communication, complete object screening, and zero tolerance for shortcuts. So why was Keith allowed in with the chain? Was it complacency? Poor training? A deadly oversight?

This tragedy raises urgent questions about training, emergency protocols, and accountability at imaging centers across the country.

A Heartbreaking Reminder

Keith McAllister’s death is more than a horrifying accident—it’s a powerful reminder that advanced technology must be respected. His story makes one thing painfully clear: an MRI machine may be a medical marvel, but it's also a silent giant with the power to kill when rules are broken.

Final Thoughts

Let this be a wake-up call for patients and healthcare professionals alike. No matter how many times someone’s been in an MRI room, safety is not optional. The McAllister family’s tragedy must not be repeated.

Always remove metal before entering an MRI room. Always speak up if you’re unsure. Always prioritize safety—because it could mean the difference between life and death.