In a rare and tragic incident, a 61-year-old Long Island man died after being pulled into an active MRI machine due to a metal chain necklace he was wearing. The victim, Wayne Tripi of Long Beach, was at Nassau Radiologic Group in Oceanside on July 16, reportedly accompanying a friend for a scan, when the powerful magnetic force of the machine dragged him inside, Nassau County Police confirmed.
Tripi was wearing a “large metal chain” at the time. As he stepped into the MRI room, the machine’s high-powered magnet immediately reacted with the chain, pulling him with extreme force. Authorities stated that Tripi went into cardiac arrest following the incident. He was rushed to Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Medical Oversight and Safety Lapses Under Investigation of MRI Machine
MRI machines use strong magnetic fields that can turn metallic objects into dangerous projectiles within seconds. For this reason, facilities maintain strict “no-metal” protocols for both patients and anyone entering the scan room. However, the circumstances surrounding Tripi’s access to the MRI suite while wearing a metal chain remain unclear.
According to NewsNation, it’s uncertain whether Tripi was warned or screened before entering the room, or whether staff overlooked the visible chain. Experts note that MRI zones are supposed to be tightly controlled, even for visitors and medical staff, to avoid exactly this kind of accident.
“This is not just tragic — it was preventable,” said one radiology safety consultant. “The protocols are well-established. There’s a serious question here of procedural breakdown or negligence.”
The New York State Department of Health has been notified and may launch a formal investigation into the incident. Nassau Radiologic Group has yet to issue an official statement.
Community Mourns as Authorities Seek Answers
The sudden and unusual death has left the Long Beach community in shock. Neighbors described Tripi as a kind and friendly man, and many are struggling to comprehend how such a fatal oversight could have occurred in a modern medical facility.
As reported by NBC New York, the cause of death was listed as cardiac arrest, most likely brought on by the trauma of being pulled into the magnet. The MRI center has temporarily shut operations while local authorities continue their investigation.
The incident has sparked renewed concern over MRI safety practices nationwide. Medical institutions may now face heightened pressure to re-evaluate their screening procedures — ensuring that even non-patients are properly briefed before entering high-risk areas.
Sources:
https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/strange/nyc-mri-machine-injury-metal-chain
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/long-island/man-sucked-mri-machine-nassau-county/6339072
