Some tissue death from surgical manipulation, called necrosis, is inevitable after any procedure, though your risks increase dramatically if you're a smoker.

FORBES: Magazine Article

If accidentally swallowed or inhaled, the magnets can pinch internal tissue, causing infection or even death.

WSJ: Retailers recall potentially dangerous magnet sets

In extreme cases, statins can destroy muscle tissue in a way that poisons the body, resulting in death.

FORBES: Merck And Schering-Plough's Zetia OK'd

Duerson's death, and specifically the decision to shoot himself in the chest, apparently to avoid damaging his brain tissue, shocked members of his family and the football community.

CNN: Tests reveal former NFL player suffered from brain disease