It was supposed to be a routine afternoon at the doctor’s office—a simple MRI appointment for Adrienne Jones-McAllister’s knee. Instead, it became the setting for an unimaginable tragedy that would change her life forever.

Keith McAllister, 61, died on July 17 after a freak accident involving an MRI machine at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury, New York. His wife Adrienne, who was by his side when the incident occurred, is now sharing her heartbreaking story in hopes of raising awareness about MRI safety—and honoring the memory of the man she loved.

A Routine Visit Turns Tragic

Adrienne and Keith had visited Nassau Open MRI before. On July 16, Adrienne was scheduled for a scan on her knee. After her procedure, she asked a technician to bring her husband into the room to help her stand up. What happened next unfolded in a matter of seconds, but the memory is one she says will haunt her forever.

In an emotional interview with News 12 Long Island, Adrienne recalled the moment she watched the MRI machine’s powerful magnet pull her husband in by the heavy, 20-pound metal chain he wore around his neck—a chain he used for weight training.

“I saw the machine snatch him,” Adrienne said through tears. “He went limp in my arms, and this is still pulsating in my brain.”

A Desperate Fight to Save Him

As the machine’s magnetic force caught Keith’s chain, Adrienne and the technician rushed to help, desperately trying to pull him away from the machine. In the chaos, Adrienne pleaded for someone to turn off the machine and call for help.

“I was saying, ‘Could you turn off the machine? Call 911. Do something. Turn this damn thing off!’” she recounted.

Despite their frantic efforts, Keith was severely injured. Nassau County police responded to a 911 call just after 4:30 p.m. According to a police statement, Keith suffered a “medical episode” after being caught in the MRI machine. He was rushed to the hospital, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries the following day.

Adrienne later revealed that her husband suffered several heart attacks after the incident.

“He Waved Goodbye to Me, and His Whole Body Went Limp”

Adrienne’s grief is raw and overwhelming. “I haven’t been able to sleep, I’m barely eating, I just can’t believe [it],” she said, wiping tears from her eyes. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around the whole thing. He waved goodbye to me, and his whole body went limp.”

She described Keith as a hard-working man, someone she loved deeply. “He was my everything,” she said. “I loved him so much.”

MRI Safety: What Went Wrong?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a common medical procedure that uses powerful magnets to create detailed images of the body’s soft tissues. Because of the strength of these magnets, patients are always instructed to remove all metal objects—including jewelry, watches, and even some clothing—before entering the scan room.

According to the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, the magnetic field produced by an MRI machine is so strong that even small metal objects can become dangerous projectiles.

Adrienne told News 12 Long Island that this was not the first time the staff at Nassau Open MRI had seen Keith’s chain. In fact, she said, they had discussed it during previous visits. “They had a conversation about it before: ‘Oh that’s a big chain,’” she recalled.

The details of how Keith was allowed into the MRI room while wearing the chain remain under investigation by the Nassau County Police Department.

An Ongoing Investigation

As the investigation continues, questions linger about how such a tragedy could have happened. MRI facilities typically have strict protocols to prevent metal objects from entering the scan room. It remains unclear whether a lapse in procedure or a misunderstanding contributed to the accident.

Nassau Open MRI has not commented publicly on the incident, and the technician involved has not been identified. The police have stated that the investigation is ongoing.

A Community in Shock

The news of Keith’s death has sent shockwaves through the local community. Friends and family have rallied around Adrienne, offering support as she navigates her grief.

For many, the incident is a sobering reminder of the importance of safety in medical settings—and the need for vigilance, even during routine procedures.

Remembering Keith McAllister

In the days since her husband’s passing, Adrienne has struggled to come to terms with her loss. She described Keith as a loving husband and a dedicated worker, someone who always put others first.

“He was always there for me,” she said. “He made everyone around him feel special. I just can’t believe he’s gone.”

A Call for Change

Adrienne hopes that by sharing her story, she can help prevent similar tragedies from happening to other families. She urges medical facilities to double-check safety procedures and ensure that all staff are vigilant about removing metal objects before allowing anyone near an MRI machine.

“No one should ever have to go through what I went through,” she said. “If telling our story saves even one life, then Keith’s death won’t be in vain.”

Staying True to the Facts

This article is based on verified statements from Adrienne Jones-McAllister, police reports, and information from reputable news outlets. No speculation or unconfirmed rumors are presented as fact. By relying on credible sources and maintaining a compassionate, factual tone, we aim to provide trustworthy coverage of this tragic event.

If You or a Loved One Needs Support

Grief can be overwhelming. If you or someone you know is struggling after a sudden loss, resources are available through the National Alliance for Grieving Children (childrengrieve.org) and local support groups.