Family hires attorney after man's tragic MRI accident involving 20-pound chain

The family of a man who died in a freak MRI-related accident in New York last week appears poised to file a lawsuit over the incident. 

Keith McAllister, aged 61, tragically passed away after suffering three heart attacks when he was inadvertently drawn into the magnetic pull of an MRI machine at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury last week. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a chain weighing 20 pounds.

Now, his family has hired an attorney to “ensure accountability” stemming from the incident, according to the New York Post. 

Keith McAllister selfie image in black hat

Keith McAllister died after being pulled into an MRI machine while wearing a 20-pound metal chain.  (GoFundMe)

According to his daughter, Samantha Bodden, the MRI technician reportedly exited the room to locate McAllister and requested his help but failed to caution him about the risks of being near the machine with metallic objects.

Initially, it was reported that McAllister had entered the room on his own without authorization. However, Bodden clarified that he was actually invited inside.

“Several news stations are saying he wasn’t authorized to be in the room when, in fact, he was because the technician went and brought him into the room,” Bodden wrote. 

MRI danger zone sign

Danger sign on wall outside an MRI scanner exam room (iStock)

Bodden said she and Jones-McAllister attempted to free McAllister from the machine before finally calling the police for help. 

Fox News Digital reached out to Smith, Cheung and Lauterborn, PC and to Nassau Open MRI for comment. 

You May Also Like
Los Angeles schools superintendent Alberto Carvalho resigns amid FBI probe

Los Angeles Schools Chief Alberto Carvalho Resigns as FBI Investigation Unfolds

The Los Angeles Unified School District’s embattled superintendent has resigned, months after…
Trump says Colombia's 'El Tigre' will be a 'great president' as socialist opponent launches legal challenge

Trump predicts Colombia’s El Tigre will be a great president as socialist opponent files legal challenge

Trump congratulates Colombia presidential candidate Trump offered congratulations to Abelardo de la…
House Republicans issue contempt threat against ActBlue after Dem fundraiser refuses to turn over hundreds of documents

House Republicans Threaten ActBlue With Contempt Over Refusal to Provide Fundraising Documents

WASHINGTON — The Republican chairs of three House committees on Monday warned…
Russia preparing hybrid attacks on NATO's eastern flank, intelligence warns

Intelligence Warns of Russian Hybrid Attack Plans Targeting NATO’s Eastern Flank

Latvia’s intelligence service is cautioning that Russia may be laying the groundwork…
NYC couple gets engaged atop NYPD car during Knicks parade

NYC Couple’s Knicks Parade Proposal Atop NYPD Car Goes Viral

As Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby and the rest of the New York…
Trump says he can fix Chicago's crime epidemic 'fast and permanently' after 39 shot over weekend

Trump Vows Fast, Permanent Chicago Crime Crackdown After 39 People Shot Over Weekend

President Trump said Tuesday that he could resolve Chicago’s crime crisis “fast…
Keith Kellogg tells Iranian dissidents the 'window is open' to force regime change in Tehran

Keith Kellogg Urges Iranian Dissidents to Seize ‘Open Window’ for Regime Change in Tehran

As the Trump administration advances efforts toward a new agreement with Iran,…
Austin Metcalf's dad slams 'moral decay of society' as killer Karmelo Anthony mounts freedom bid

Austin Metcalf’s Father Decries Moral Decay as Karmelo Anthony Seeks Release

Austin Metcalf’s father condemned what he called the “moral decay of society,”…
Chicago sanctuary policies let alleged Tren de Aragua mass shooting getaway driver walk free

Alleged Tren de Aragua Getaway Driver Freed Under Chicago Sanctuary Policies After Mass Shooting

Federal authorities said Monday they have arrested a former Illinois teacher who…
Former Oklahoma death row inmate Richard Glossip back in court as case proceeds to retrial in 1997 murder case

Richard Glossip Returns to Court as Oklahoma Retrial Moves Forward in 1997 Murder Case

A former Oklahoma death row prisoner freed after nearly 30 years behind…
Millions of bees escape after a truck carrying hives crashes in Texas

Millions of Bees Swarm Texas Highway After Truck Carrying Hives Crashes

An estimated two million bees were released after an 18-wheeler transporting beehives…
Jimmy Awards 2026: Jane Nuich from Park Ridge, Logan Arroyo of Tinley Park to represent Illinois in New York City Broadway debut

Illinois Stars Jane Nuich and Logan Arroyo Head to NYC for 2026 Jimmy Awards Broadway Debut

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Jimmy Awards, a national celebration of high school…