A 61-year-old man was killed after he was sucked into an MRI machine in Westbury.
Police responded to a 911 call at Nassau Open MRI at 1570 Old Country Road in Westbury on Wednesday, July 16, where a man entered an MRI room with a large metallic chain around his neck while a scan was in progress.
Police said the chain caused him to be drawn into the machine, which resulted in what they called a medical episode.
The man, who was identified in published reports as Keith McAlister of Hempstead. was transported to the hospital, where he was initially listed in critical condition.
Police said he was pronounced dead the following afternoon.
Nassau Open MRI declined to comment.
The victim’s wife, Adrienne Jones-McAllister, said in an interview with News 12 that she was having the scan done and had asked her husband to come help her up.
She said her husband entered the room and was then sucked into the machine. She said she and a technician had attempted to free him, but were unable to do so.
“He went limp in my arms,” Jones-McAllister said during the interview.
Monday, July 21, was the start of MR Safety Week. The week was prompted by the 2001 MRI-related death of a six-year-old.
Samantha Bodden, who identified herself as Jones-McAllister’s daughter, started a GoFundMe for McAllister that has raised over $4,000.
“Keith was a husband, a father, a stepfather, a grandfather, a brother, and an uncle. He was a friend to many. He was on a fixed income from Social Security and didn’t have much. So at this time, my mother is asking for help with expenses to help bury him. Anything will help and is very much appreciated. We thank you for understanding during this time of loss,” Bodden said.
