Four individuals have been charged in connection with the death of a 5-year-old boy, Thomas Cooper, who died in an explosion at a hyperbaric chamber in Troy, Michigan, on January 31. The incident occurred at the Oxford Center, where Cooper’s mother was also injured while attempting to rescue him.
- Four charged in 5-year-old's death.
- Child died in hyperbaric chamber explosion.
- Treatment deemed medically unsupported by FDA.
- Safety measures reportedly not followed.
- Center claims to prioritize children's safety.
- Accused maintain innocence, call it an accident.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel stated that a spark ignited a fire inside the chamber, which is typically fatal. Those charged include Tamela Peterson, Gary Marken, Gary Mosteller, and Aleta Moffitt. They face serious charges related to negligence and false medical documentation.
The tragic incident has raised significant concerns about safety protocols at the Oxford Center. According to Attorney General Nessel, fires within hyperbaric chambers are often fatal due to their highly pressurized environment. Investigators revealed that essential safety measures were not followed during the treatment session that led to Cooper’s death.
Key details include:
- The center’s founder and two managers face second-degree murder charges.
- Aleta Moffitt is charged with involuntary manslaughter for operating the chamber without proper oversight.
- The procedures used for treating Cooper were deemed unsupported by medical science.
Nessel highlighted that critical safety checks had not been performed on the day of the incident. No licensed technician or medical doctor was present during treatment sessions. Furthermore, necessary equipment designed to prevent such accidents was reportedly absent or improperly utilized.
This case underscores ongoing debates regarding hyperbaric therapy’s appropriateness for conditions like sleep apnea and ADHD—issues not recognized by FDA guidelines for such treatments. As investigations continue into operational standards at the Oxford Center, community members express concern over patient safety and regulatory compliance within similar facilities nationwide.
The charges against these individuals reflect broader issues of accountability in healthcare settings where safety protocols may be overlooked. As this case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering strictly to established medical guidelines and ensuring patient safety above all else.
