A tragic accident occurred on Wednesday afternoon at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury, New York, when a 61-year-old man, Keith McLester, was fatally injured after being pulled into an MRI machine by a heavy metal necklace. The powerful magnetic force of the machine caused the deadly incident, sparking renewed concerns about MRI safety protocols.
What Happened?
Keith McLester had accompanied his wife, Adrien Jones-McLister, to her MRI appointment, where she was undergoing a knee scan. At some point during the procedure, Keith entered the MRI room to check on his wife. Tragically, Adrien was wearing a 20-pound metal chain used for weight training, which was still around her neck.
As Keith approached her, the chain was violently pulled by the MRI machine’s magnetic field, yanking Adrien toward the device. In the process, Keith himself was forcefully struck and drawn into the machine. According to the Nassau County Police Department, the force of the impact led to fatal injuries.
Adrien Jones-McLister’s Account
In an emotional interview with News 12 Long Island, Adrien recounted the horrifying moment. She described begging the MRI technician to shut down the machine and to call 911, as her husband lay motionless in her arms.
Despite medical efforts, Keith McLester died the following afternoon. At the time of reporting, his name had not been officially released by authorities.
Who Was Keith McLester?
Keith McLester, 61, was the devoted husband of Adrien Jones-McLister. Adrien shared that Keith often wore a heavy chain for weight training purposes and had discussed its presence with MRI staff on previous visits. His sudden death has now raised pressing questions about communication between patients, families, and MRI technicians regarding metallic objects.
A Troubling Reminder of Past Incidents
This incident is not without precedent. In 2001, 6-year-old Michael Colombini tragically died when an oxygen tank was mistakenly brought into an MRI room at Westchester Medical Center, also in New York.
According to the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), MRI machines generate powerful magnetic fields that can pull in metal objects with tremendous force—ranging from wheelchairs to surgical tools—causing catastrophic injuries or death.
Public Reaction and Safety Concerns
The incident has drawn widespread attention across social media, with many calling for stricter MRI safety measures and better public education on the dangers of bringing metal objects into MRI environments. Community members have also criticized what they view as a lack of oversight and preparedness by medical staff at the facility.
What’s Next?
The Nassau County Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident. Nassau Open MRI has not issued a public comment at this time.
Legal experts suggest this may lead to renewed discussions and potentially updated safety protocols regarding MRI procedures across the state. The grieving McLester family is said to be devastated by the tragedy, and further updates will likely follow as more details emerge.
Conclusion
This heartbreaking accident is a stark reminder of the extreme caution required around MRI machines and the life-threatening risk of metal in high-magnetic environments. It underscores the need for clear communication, vigilant safety checks, and rigorous staff training to prevent future tragedies.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.