LONG ISLAND, NY — A devastating incident at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury, New York, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, resulted in the death of a 61-year-old man following a catastrophic accident involving an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine. The tragedy, which unfolded during what was expected to be a routine diagnostic procedure, has left the community, medical staff, and the man’s loved ones grappling with shock and sorrow.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:34 p.m. at the medical imaging facility on Old Country Road. According to the Nassau County Police Department, the man, whose identity has not been disclosed pending family notification, entered the MRI room without authorization while a scan was in progress. He was wearing a large metallic chain necklace, which was violently pulled toward the machine’s powerful magnetic field, causing him to be drawn into the equipment. This triggered what police described as a “medical episode,” leading to critical injuries.

Despite immediate response from emergency services, the man was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition and succumbed to his injuries the following day, Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 2:36 p.m. Authorities have not released specific details about the nature of his injuries, but medical experts suggest possible strangulation, asphyxiation, or blunt force trauma, given the force of the magnetic pull and the chain around his neck.

The accident has raised urgent concerns about MRI safety protocols. MRI machines utilize intensely powerful magnets to create detailed images, but these magnets can turn ferromagnetic objects—such as jewelry, oxygen tanks, or medical equipment—into dangerous projectiles if brought into the scanning room. Standard safety procedures require rigorous screening to ensure no metal objects enter the MRI suite, with patients typically instructed to remove all jewelry and clothing and to wear metal-free garments. The man reportedly entered the room to assist a patient, despite a technician’s warning, highlighting a potential lapse in protocol enforcement.

Investigators from the Nassau County Police Department’s homicide squad are examining the circumstances of the incident, though authorities have stated there is no indication of criminality, and it appears to be a tragic accident. The investigation is ongoing, with a focus on reviewing safety protocols at Nassau Open MRI, which offers both open and closed MRI scans. The facility has not responded to requests for comment, and staff declined to answer questions at the scene.

Medical professionals and safety experts have emphasized the critical importance of strict adherence to MRI safety guidelines. Melonie Longacre, Vice President of Operations at Northwell Health, described the multi-zone safety procedures designed to prevent such incidents: Zone I raises awareness of the MRI’s presence, Zone II involves patient screening for metal objects, Zone III is a post-screening area, and Zone IV is the magnet room itself, which should be tightly controlled. “The entire circle you see [in an MRI], it’s called a gantry. It’s a magnet. It’s huge. It’s very big and very powerful,” Longacre explained, underscoring the inherent dangers of MRI environments when protocols are not followed.

Dr. Payal Sud, an emergency medicine specialist at North Shore University Hospital, noted the potential for severe injuries in such incidents, including strangulation or cervical spine damage if a chain is caught by the magnet’s force. “The dangers could be catastrophic, and it underscores why we have all the safety precautions in place,” she said. Despite the rarity of such accidents, the incident recalls similar tragedies, including a 2018 case in India where a man died after entering an MRI room with an oxygen tank and a 2023 incident in California where a nurse was crushed between an MRI machine and a hospital bed.

The Long Island community is reeling from the loss, with bystanders expressing disbelief. “That’s insane. That should’ve never happened,” said Orlando Hernandez, who works near the facility and witnessed the aftermath, including reports of smoke coming from the building. The tragedy has prompted calls for a comprehensive safety review of MRI facilities across the region to ensure such an incident is not repeated. The New York State Department of Health is expected to provide further details as the investigation progresses.

The victim’s family and friends are devastated by the sudden and preventable loss. Described as a kind-hearted and hardworking individual, the man was deeply loved within his community. A candlelight vigil is being planned to honor his memory and offer a space for collective mourning.

“This is a devastating loss, and we are committed to understanding exactly what happened so that no other family has to endure a tragedy like this,” said a spokesperson for Nassau Open MRI. As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for rigorous safety measures in medical imaging environments. The community mourns a life lost too soon in a tragedy that has left an indelible mark on Long Island.