Widow Sues After Husband Killed in MRI Accident

Adrienne Jones McAllister seeks damages for 'severe mental anguish' after husband's tragic death.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:35pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a metal chain necklace against a pitch-black background, conveying the stark, gritty, and investigative nature of this tragic incident.A tragic MRI accident exposes the critical need for robust safety protocols in medical imaging facilities.Westbury Today

The wife of a 61-year-old man killed after he was dragged into an MRI machine in Westbury, New York last summer is suing the radiology office, according to court documents. Adrienne Jones McAllister is seeking an unspecified sum in damages for 'severe mental anguish and distress' caused by the 'negligent, wanton, reckless and careless acts' of the defendants.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the critical importance of strict safety protocols in medical imaging facilities, where powerful magnetic fields can turn metal objects into deadly projectiles if proper precautions are not taken.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Keith McAllister was pulled into the MRI machine by a metallic chain necklace he was wearing while accompanying his wife to her appointment. The lawsuit alleges the radiology staff failed to properly screen McAllister for metal objects or provide sufficient warning and supervision, even though he was not a patient.

  • On July 17, 2025, Keith McAllister was killed after being pulled into an MRI machine.
  • The lawsuit was filed on March 7, 2026 with the Nassau County Supreme Court.

The players

Adrienne Jones McAllister

The widow of Keith McAllister who is suing the radiology office over her husband's tragic death.

Keith McAllister

A 61-year-old man who was killed after being pulled into an MRI machine by a metallic chain necklace he was wearing.

Nassau Open MRI

The radiology office named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“He went limp in my arms.”

— Adrienne Jones McAllister

“This heartbreaking incident highlights the critical importance of safety protocols in medical imaging facilities.”

— Michael Lauterborn, Attorney

What’s next

The judge will decide on the amount of damages sought by Adrienne Jones McAllister in the lawsuit against Nassau Open MRI and other defendants.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for radiology facilities to strictly enforce metal detection and safety protocols to prevent similar accidents from occurring and putting patients and their loved ones at risk.