The widow of a man who died after being pulled into an MRI machine has filed a lawsuit against a New York medical clinic, claiming the tragedy was entirely preventable.
According to court documents obtained by People, Adrienne Jones-McAllister is suing Nassau Open MRI following the July 2025 death of her husband, Keith McAllister, who suffered fatal injuries after being “violently drawn” into the machine while wearing a heavy metal chain.
The incident occurred as Jones-McAllister was undergoing a knee scan. After the procedure, a technician allegedly asked her husband to assist her off the table. When he entered the MRI room still wearing the metallic chain, the powerful magnetic force of the machine pulled him in, causing catastrophic injuries.
McAllister died the following day after suffering multiple heart attacks, according to reports.
Lawsuit Alleges “Dangerous and Unsafe Conditions”
In the lawsuit, Jones-McAllister accuses the clinic and associated entities of negligence, claiming staff failed to properly warn her husband about removing metal objects and allowed unsafe conditions inside the MRI suite.
The complaint alleges the facility acted in a “negligent, reckless and careless” manner by permitting McAllister to enter the room without ensuring he was free of metal—an essential safety protocol for MRI environments.
She is seeking damages to be determined by a jury.
Traumatic Aftermath
Jones-McAllister, who witnessed the incident, says she has suffered severe emotional and psychological trauma as a result of her husband’s death. The lawsuit also notes she incurred medical expenses related to the aftermath of the ordeal.
Efforts to free McAllister reportedly took nearly an hour, highlighting the extreme force generated by MRI machines when metal objects are introduced.
Broader Safety Concerns
The case has raised renewed concerns about MRI safety protocols, which strictly prohibit metal objects near the machines due to their powerful magnetic fields. Experts say such incidents are rare but almost always preventable with proper screening and adherence to safety procedures.
As the lawsuit moves forward, the case is expected to draw increased scrutiny on medical imaging facilities and their responsibility to enforce strict safety measures to prevent similar tragedies.
