URGENT UPDATE: A 61-year-old man tragically died after being drawn into an MRI machine due to a weight-training chain he was wearing. The incident occurred on July 17, 2023, at a hospital in Long Island, New York, while his wife, Adrienne McAllister, was undergoing a knee scan.
According to officials, Keith McAllister entered the examination room to assist his wife when he was suddenly pulled into the MRI by the machine’s powerful magnet. Adrienne recalls her desperate attempts to save him, shouting, “Turn off the machine, call 911, do something!” as she tried to pull him away from the machine. Tragically, Keith suffered multiple heart attacks and died the following day.
The Nassau County Police Department confirmed that the incident was linked to the large metallic chain around Keith’s neck, which caused him to become trapped in the machine. In a statement, police noted that “the male victim was wearing a large metallic chain around his neck causing him to be drawn into the machine, which resulted in a medical episode.”
In the wake of this devastating accident, Keith’s stepdaughter, Samantha Bodden, launched a GoFundMe campaign to support her mother. The fundraiser has raised over $14,000 as of now, with Samantha addressing the community’s support and clarifying details about the incident. “The technician left the room to get her husband to help her off the table. He forgot to inform him to take the chain he was wearing from around his neck off when the magnet sucked him in,” she explained.
Samantha emphasized that several reports misrepresented the situation, stating that her father was authorized to be in the room at the time of the accident. The family has expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support during this harrowing time. “I haven’t been able to sleep, I’m barely eating. I just can’t believe… I’m just trying to wrap my head around the whole thing,” Adrienne shared with the media.
Keith was laid to rest on August 1, with community members and supporters expressing their condolences. The GoFundMe page has seen numerous messages of sympathy, with one supporter writing, “I am truly sorry for your loss. May the Lord wrap you in His perfect peace and give you strength during this time of sorrow.”
As the family navigates this overwhelming pain, they are determined to honor Keith’s memory and continue to lean on the support of their community. With the funds raised, they aim to cover immediate expenses and reflect on Keith’s life and legacy.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the critical importance of safety protocols in medical environments, especially concerning the use of metallic items near MRI machines. The family is now advocating for increased awareness to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Stay tuned for further developments on this story as the family continues to heal and seek justice for their beloved Keith.
