Long Island Man Killed After Necklace Pulled Him Into MRI Machine in Tragic Medical Mishap
Long Island, New York — In a horrifying and preventable medical tragedy, a Long Island man was killed after a large chain necklace he was wearing was pulled into an MRI machine with tremendous force. The victim, Keith McAllister, 61, died shortly after sustaining catastrophic injuries during the incident, which unfolded inside a local imaging facility where his wife was undergoing a routine scan.
The incident occurred when McAllister entered the MRI room to assist his wife, Adrienne, who reportedly needed help getting off the scanning table after her procedure. According to early reports, a medical technician allegedly allowed McAllister to enter the MRI room, despite him wearing a 20-pound metal training chain — a decision that would prove to be deadly.
As McAllister stepped inside the room, the machine’s powerful magnetic field immediately reacted with the heavy chain around his neck. The force was so intense that he was violently pulled into the machine, causing severe internal trauma before shocked staff could intervene.
Multiple Heart Attacks Followed the Incident
Following the violent impact, McAllister reportedly went into cardiac arrest on-site. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he suffered multiple heart attacks and was pronounced dead a short time later. Sources close to the family say Adrienne, who witnessed the incident firsthand, is devastated and in a state of emotional shock.
“This should never have happened,” said one family friend. “There are strict protocols in place for a reason — and they were clearly ignored.”
MRI Safety Protocols Under Scrutiny
The tragedy is raising serious questions about MRI safety protocols and staff training. MRI machines produce extremely strong magnetic fields capable of turning everyday metal objects into high-speed projectiles. For this reason, strict screening procedures are standard at every accredited imaging facility.
Medical experts note that patients and visitors should never be allowed near the MRI room while wearing any form of metal — especially large or heavy items like necklaces, belts, or tools. The presence of a 20-pound chain in an MRI environment would be considered a critical breach of protocol.
Investigators are now looking into whether the facility followed proper safety procedures and whether the technician who allowed McAllister into the room was adequately trained or supervised. The name of the imaging center has not yet been released as the investigation remains active.
A Community in Mourning
Keith McAllister, described by those who knew him as kind-hearted, strong, and fiercely devoted to his wife, was a longtime resident of Long Island. He reportedly wore the weighted chain as part of a fitness regimen — not anticipating that it would lead to such a catastrophic event.
“He went in there to help his wife. That’s who Keith was — always putting others first,” said a close family member.
The McAllister family is said to be exploring legal options and demanding accountability from the facility where the fatal mishap occurred.
Official Statement Pending
Local authorities have confirmed an investigation is underway in coordination with health safety officials. The facility may face civil penalties, and depending on the outcome, criminal negligence charges could be considered if it is determined that staff actions directly led to McAllister’s death.
Meanwhile, safety advocates and medical professionals are urging MRI facilities nationwide to reexamine safety compliance, retrain staff, and reinforce the dangers of magnetic field exposure to prevent such incidents from ever happening again.