A 61-year-old man in New York has tragically died after suffering a medical emergency that occurred when he was pulled into a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine. The man, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, entered the MRI room at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury while wearing a large metallic chain around his neck.
The powerful magnetic field of the MRI scanner drew him toward the machine, resulting in a fatal incident. He died a day later from his injuries. This deeply disturbing event, in which a man dies after being pulled by MRI due to wearing a metallic chain, has shocked the medical community and raised urgent questions about procedural failures and safety measures in imaging facilities.
Man Dies After Being Pulled by MRI
MRI machines are powerful diagnostic tools that use strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of the internal structures of the body. Unlike CT scans, which use ionizing radiation, MRI machines rely on magnetism to function. While effective and generally safe when used correctly, MRI machines pose serious risks when safety guidelines are not strictly followed.
The magnetic field inside an MRI scanner is so strong that even relatively small metallic objects—like coins, pens, or pieces of jewelry—can become high-speed projectiles. In this recent case, the 61-year-old man reportedly entered the scanning room without authorization while a scan was in progress.
The man was still wearing a heavy metallic chain, which was magnetically attracted to the operational MRI machine. The chain was forcibly pulled toward the magnet, dragging the man with it. This sudden forceful motion resulted in a severe medical episode. He was immediately taken to a hospital, but despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead the following day.
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates MRI safety, emphasizes the importance of stringent screening procedures. According to their guidelines, any individual entering the MRI room must be thoroughly screened for metallic objects on their body or within their body, such as implants, pacemakers, or metal fragments. The FDA warns that failure to adhere to these procedures can result in injury or death, underscoring the catastrophic potential when protocols are breached.
Questions of Accountability: How Could Such a Breach Happen?
The incident took place at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury, New York, a facility that, like all medical imaging centers, is required to follow strict safety protocols. Patients undergoing MRI scans are typically required to remove all metal objects and change into hospital gowns to eliminate the risk of accidents. Furthermore, MRI rooms are usually protected by multiple layers of security, including restricted access and warning signs, to prevent unauthorized entry during a scan.
How, then, did this man manage to enter the MRI room with a metallic chain while the machine was active? According to police reports, the individual entered the room without authorization. Whether this was due to a lapse in security, insufficient supervision, or unclear communication remains under investigation. What is clear is that a catastrophic failure occurred at some point in the safety chain.
A man who was sucked into an MRI machine at a Long Island medical office because he was wearing a metal chain as a scan was in progress has died from his injuries, according to police
— No Jumper (@nojumper) July 19, 2025
pic.twitter.com/Mo8B0VVxXh
The tragedy raises questions about the level of staff training, patient supervision, and adherence to protocols at the facility. The police are continuing their investigation, and it remains to be seen whether charges will be filed or if further regulatory action will be taken against the imaging center.
This isn’t the first time such an incident has occurred. Similar tragedies have happened in the past, though they are rare. One of the most well-known cases took place in 2001 when a six-year-old boy died after an oxygen tank was left in an MRI room and was pulled toward the machine, striking him in the head. That incident prompted widespread changes in MRI safety procedures across the United States. Yet, this recent death suggests that more vigilance is still needed.
The Need for Rigorous Safety Culture in Medical Imaging Facilities
This incident serves as a grave reminder that the powerful forces generated by MRI machines must never be underestimated. While the technology itself is sophisticated and incredibly beneficial in diagnosing a range of medical conditions, its safe operation hinges on the absolute diligence of all involved—technicians, medical staff, administrators, and even patients themselves.
The FDA and the American College of Radiology have both issued comprehensive safety guidelines, including thorough pre-screening questionnaires, metal detectors, patient education materials, and secure room designs. Despite these safeguards, lapses continue to occur, often due to human error or complacency.
A culture of safety must be reinforced in all imaging centers. Every member of the staff should undergo regular training and certification updates in MRI safety. Facilities should be audited routinely for compliance with safety regulations. Moreover, the design of MRI suites should include multiple layers of fail-safes to prevent unauthorized access during scans.
In the modern age of medical technology, no individual should die as a result of poor adherence to safety protocols. The fact that someone could still walk into a functioning MRI room with a metal chain around their neck speaks to systemic flaws—ones that must be urgently addressed.
Additionally, clear communication with patients and visitors is critical. Signs warning about the dangers of metal objects should be prominently displayed, and any person approaching the MRI suite must be stopped and screened, even if they are not undergoing the scan themselves. This includes maintenance workers, relatives, or medical personnel unfamiliar with MRI safety.
The recent death in Westbury, New York, is a tragedy that may have been preventable. It underscores the essential role of proper training, thorough procedures, and strong oversight in any environment where high-powered magnetic equipment is used. As medical facilities continue to evolve and adopt more advanced technologies, it is imperative that safety measures keep pace.
Ultimately, the incident serves as a stark reminder that even one overlooked detail in a high-risk setting can have fatal consequences. The magnetic field inside an MRI machine is invisible, silent, and unforgiving—there is no margin for error.