Wife speaks out after husband killed in MRI accident in New York
Adrienne Jones-McAllister describes the moment her husband, Kevin, was fatally pulled into an MRI machine due to a metal chain; authorities investigate safety breaches at the New York facility.
Adrienne Jones-McAllister is still grappling with the reality of losing her husband, Kevin, who died after being violently pulled into an MRI machine at a facility in Westbury, New York.
On July 16, Adrienne was undergoing a routine MRI scan for her knee at Nassau Open MRI. Her husband, 61-year-old Kevin, had entered the scanning room wearing a heavy, 20-pound metal chain commonly used for weight training. Within moments, the powerful magnetic force of the machine pulled him into it.
“He went limp in my arms,” Adrienne told News 12 Long Island, recalling the harrowing moment. “And that moment is still pulsating in my brain.”
How did the MRI accident occur?
Police reported that Kevin’s large metal chain triggered the MRI machine’s powerful magnetic field. According to standard MRI safety guidelines, all metal objects must be removed before entering the scanning room, yet Kevin was permitted entry despite wearing the chain.
“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,” stated Nassau County Police.
Kevin suffered multiple heart attacks after the accident and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where he died two days later from his injuries.
Safety protocols questioned
Adrienne is troubled by the facility’s safety protocols, especially given that the staff knew about Kevin’s chain from previous visits. She claims a conversation about his chain had previously occurred between Kevin and facility staff, who reportedly remarked on its size.
“They had a conversation about it before,” Adrienne recounted. “‘Oh, that’s a big chain,’ they said.”
Witnessing the accident firsthand, Adrienne and the MRI technician struggled desperately to free Kevin from the magnetic force. “I was yelling, ‘Could you turn off the machine? Call 911! Do something! Turn this damn thing off!’” Adrienne said.
MRI machines utilize exceptionally strong magnets to scan soft tissues and organs. The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering strongly advises against allowing any metal objects or electronic devices in MRI rooms because of the severe risks involved.
Despite clear safety warnings, Adrienne questions how the facility allowed Kevin’s fatal accident to occur. Nassau County Police have confirmed that an investigation into the incident and the facility’s compliance with safety protocols is ongoing.
Living with loss and unanswered questions
Since Kevin’s death, Adrienne has struggled to cope, feeling lost and confused about how such an avoidable accident happened.
“I haven’t been able to sleep, I’m barely eating,” she said. “I just can’t believe it. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the whole thing. He waved goodbye to me… and then his whole body went limp.”
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that allowed this safety breach, with the hope of preventing similar incidents in the future.
