Long Island Man, 61, Dies After Being Pulled Into MRI Machine by Metal Necklace in Tragic Accident
On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m., a 61-year-old man entered the MRI suite at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury, Long Island, wearing a large metal chain. Despite instructions to stay out, he walked into the scan room while an MRI session was underway
⚠️ What Went Wrong
The MRI’s powerful magnetic field acted instantly upon his metal necklace:
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The chain was rapidly yanked toward the machine, pulling the man closer
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The force likely caused a medical emergency—experts suggest potential strangulation or spinal injuries .
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He was rushed to North Shore University Hospital, where he remained in critical condition and passed away the following day, on July 17
👥 Victim & Facility Details
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The man was not a patient, but was accompanying a relative undergoing an MRI
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Authorities stress that no criminal activity is suspected—this was a freak accident, not foul play
🏥 Safety Protocols Ignored
Standard MRI safety requires removal of all metal items before entry. However:
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The man defied repeated warnings, entering the scan room with a metal necklace still on
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Medical experts stress that the magnet’s field is always active, and even small metal objects can cause fatal injuries
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Radiology teams uniformly follow strict screening procedures—this incident is a rare but tragic exception
🧠 Official Response & Investigation
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Nassau County Police and the New York Department of Health are reviewing the event and safety protocols
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Nassau Open MRI declined comment, but it offers both open and closed scans across several locations
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Experts warn all MRI facilities must reinforce safety screening, signage, and access control to prevent metal items from entering active MRI rooms
🕯️ Final Thoughts
This tragic event on Long Island is a stark reminder of the incredible dangers of MRI machines when safety protocols are bypassed. The MRI magnet’s strength can turn everyday metal into a lethal projectile in seconds. The incident highlights the critical need for constant vigilance—from staff and visitors alike—to remove all metal and respect MRI room boundaries.
Our condolences go out to the family of the deceased. May their loss prompt renewed safety awareness to prevent future tragedies in medical environments.