Family of Man Killed in MRI Accident Issues Statement, Details Cause of Death
On July 17, a 61-year-old man died after being drawn into a Magnetic Resonance Machine (MRI) one day earlier. Now, his family is speaking out.
The incident occurred on July 16 when the man, Keith McAllister, was sucked into the machine upon walking into the MRI room at a medical facility in Westbury, New York.
The Nassau County Police Department revealed McAllister was wearing a "large metallic chain," which led to him being drawn into the MRI.
According to USA TODAY's Jonathan Limehouse, the family has now put out a statement through its attorney and revealed that McAllister died following "several heart attacks."
"The McAllister family and their friends are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Mr. Keith McAllister, who passed away following a preventable incident at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury, New York," the statement read. "We ask the public and friends to keep Mr. McAllister’s wife, Adrienne Jones-McAllister, and the entire family in their thoughts and prayers during this profoundly difficult time.
"The family is truly grateful for the outpouring of heartfelt condolences received from the community and from across the country."
The statement also highlighted the "critical importance of safety protocols in medical imaging facilities."
"The family and our legal team are dedicated to assisting the appropriate authorities in their investigation and in efforts to ensure accountability and prevent similar tragedies in the future," the statement added.
McAllister's family has set up a GoFundMe page that has raised nearly $11,700 as of this writing, just shy of the $12,000 goal.