A 61-year-old man died after being pulled into an active MRI machine at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury, New York, on July 16
A 61-year-old man died after being pulled into an active MRI machine at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury, New York, on July 16. According to a press release from the Nassau County Police Department, the man entered an unauthorized MRI room while a scan was in progress and was wearing a large metallic chain around his neck. The magnetic pull drew him into the machine, resulting in a fatal medical episode. He was taken to a local hospital and died the following day.
The incident remains under investigation. Nassau Open MRI’s website instructs patients to remove all metallic objects before scans. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that MRI magnets can attract objects ranging from phones to oxygen tanks, posing serious injury risks. “Careful screening of people and objects entering the MR environment is critical,” the FDA states.
Dr. Kenneth J. Perry noted, “MRI is a very safe imaging modality… but the magnetic function is never off.” He emphasized the need for safety protocols: “Adhering to these very important protocols will be very helpful in preventing major issues.”