Oxford Center CEO’s Controversial Texts on Hyperbaric Treatments Spark Police Investigation

On January 31, 2025, a tragic incident occurred at the Oxford Center in Troy, Michigan, where a 5-year-old boy named Thomas Cooper died after the hyperbaric chamber he was in exploded. Following this event, court documents revealed text messages from Tamela Peterson, the CEO of the facility, which raised serious concerns about operational practices and oversight.

Four employees have been charged in connection with Cooper’s death, including Peterson who faces second-degree murder charges. The other three individuals include Safety Manager Jeffrey Mosteller and Primary Management Assistant Gary Marken, both also charged with second-degree murder, and Aleta Moffitt, who is charged with involuntary manslaughter and falsifying medical records.

The investigation into the tragic death of Thomas Cooper has led to significant legal actions against four employees of the Oxford Center. Court documents reveal that Tamela Peterson sent concerning text messages before and after the incident. She reportedly stated that her focus was on getting “bodies” into hyperbaric chambers without regard for safety protocols when asked about promoting treatments for erectile dysfunction.

In addition to these alarming comments, investigators discovered that Peterson had shared disturbing images taken from CCTV footage showing Cooper inside the chamber during the explosion. In her messages accompanying these photos, she remarked on Cooper’s lack of response during the incident as if he were not attempting to escape a dangerous situation.

The charges against Peterson include second-degree murder while two others face similar charges. Aleta Moffitt is charged with involuntary manslaughter due to her role operating the chamber at the time of Cooper’s death. All four employees are scheduled for court hearings on March 19 and March 26 regarding their cases.

This case highlights critical issues surrounding safety protocols within medical facilities offering specialized treatments like hyperbaric therapy. As investigations continue and court dates approach, further details may emerge regarding operational oversight at such centers.