Gadgets
Tragedy in MRI Room: Man Wearing Metal Chain Gets Pulled Into Machine, Dies
Victim Profile
- Name: Keith McAllister, 61, known to accompany his wife, Adrienne Jones-McAllister, during her MRI appointments.
- The couple had visited this center multiple times, during which Keith wore the same 20 lb (≈9 kg) metal chain with padlock, used in his weight training. Staff had noticed it before and discussed it with them per his wife’s testimony.
The Tragic Incident
- Entry into MRI Room
- During his wife’s knee scan, Keith entered the MRI scanning room at her request—to assist her after the scan.
- Despite warnings, he remained wearing the heavy metal chain
- Magnetic Pull & Medical Emergency
- Once inside, the strong MRI magnet latched onto the chain, pulling him suddenly toward the machine.
- Witnesses—his wife and the technician—attempted to free him and yelled to shut off the machine, but it was too late
- Critical Injuries & Death
- Keith sustained multiple heart attacks and severe trauma—possible strangulation or cervical spine injuries. He was rushed to North Shore University Hospital and declared dead the next day
MRI Safety Protocols Violated
- MRI magnets generate powerful static fields that can pull heavy ferromagnetic objects—even adult –sized chains or oxygen tanks—instantly and with force
- Standard Protocol: Everyone entering Zone III/IV must remove all metallic items, or be screened with a ferromagnetic detector
- Here, the heavy chain should have triggered an alarm or disqualification for entry—but it didn’t
Expert Commentary
- Dr. Payal Sud (North Shore University Hospital): “I could imagine asphyxiation, cervical spine injuries… any kind of blunt force trauma”
- Charles Winterfeldt, imaging director: “It [the necklace] would act like a torpedo trying to get into the middle of the magnet.”
Similar Incidents & Historical Context
- 2001, Westchester County, NY: 6‑year‑old boy killed by flying oxygen tank during an MRI scan
- 2018, California: Nurse seriously injured when the machine pulled part of the hospital bed
- Billions of MRI scans are performed annually; FDA reports roughly 300 adverse MRI incidents per year, most are burns or projectile events
- MRI environments are classified into Zones, with standard metal prohibition signage and pre-screening measures
Investigation & Accountability
- Police: Nassau County PD is investigating for negligence; no foul play suspected
- Health Dept: Whether MRI centers are inspected regularly is unclear—NY Dept of Health is reviewing policies
- Facility Policy: Nassau Open MRI announced on its web site prohibitions on hearing aids, dentures, jewelry, hairpins—but this tragic oversight suggests inadequate enforcement
Recommendations for MRI Safety Improvements
| Area | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| 🚷 Strict Access Control | Use physical barriers and alarms to prevent unauthorized entry. |
| 💡 Automated Metal Detection | Install ferromagnetic detectors at Zone III/IV entry points. |
| 🏥 Frequent Staff Training | Update staff on safety protocols, with regular drills. |
| 🧾 Enhanced Signage & Checklists | Use clear multiple-language warnings and mandatory metal-check forms. |
| 🔍 Audits & Certification | Require periodic facility audits; ensure pilot safety accreditation. |
| 📢 Patient Education | Distribute handouts and inform patients/companions of MRI dangers before scans. |
Final Reflection
This heartbreaking event is a sobering lesson in how a single, avoidable oversight can lead to fatal consequences. MRI technology is indispensable in modern medicine—but it demands unwavering safety enforcement. Today’s tragedy must spur healthcare facilities to tighten protocols, equip staff, and safeguard everyone who enters the MRI environment.