Family of New York man killed in MRI accident launches GoFundMe

The family of Keith McAllister, a 61-year-old New York man who died after being pulled into an MRI machine while wearing a 20-pound metal chain, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses. The family also shared new details about the tragic accident.

GoFundMe campaign for Keith McAllister

McAllister’s stepdaughter, Samantha Bodden, created the fundraiser following the July 16 incident at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury. According to Bodden, McAllister was called into the MRI room by a technician to assist his wife, Adrienne Jones-McAllister, after her knee scan. The technician allegedly failed to warn him about the dangers of wearing metal near the machine. Moments later, the magnetic field pulled McAllister into the scanner, triggering multiple heart attacks. He succumbed to his injuries the next day.

“He was on a fixed income from ocial Security and didn’t have much,” Bodden wrote on the GoFundMe page. “At this time, my mother is asking for help with expenses to help bury him. Anything will help and is very much appreciated”.

Beloved family man

The fundraiser describes McAllister as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. As of July 22, the campaign had raised nearly $8,000 toward its $11,000 goal.

The family is also disputing early reports that McAllister was not authorized to be in the MRI room. Bodden claims the technician invited him in and had previously seen him wearing the same chain during earlier visits.

The Nassau County Police Department confirmed the incident and stated that the investigation is ongoing. Nassau Open MRI has not issued a public statement.

To learn more, visit the GoFundMe campaign here.