The Michigan facility where a hyperbaric chamber fire resulted in the death of 5-year-old Thomas Cooper allegedly prioritized profits over safety, according to state Attorney General Dana Nessel. Four individuals were arrested on March 10, 2025, in connection with the incident that occurred at the Oxford Center in Troy, Michigan.
- Michigan facility prioritized profits over safety
- Child died in hyperbaric chamber fire
- Attorney General announced four arrests
- Charges include second-degree murder and manslaughter
- Oxford Center under investigation for unsafe practices
- FDA warns against unapproved hyperbaric treatments
The tragic incident took place on January 31 when Thomas was undergoing treatment at the alternative medicine facility. The center claimed to treat various conditions not approved by the FDA for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Attorney General Nessel criticized the facility for operating dangerous equipment without proper oversight or maintenance.
Key findings from the investigation revealed several safety violations at the Oxford Center:
- No daily maintenance checks or yearly inspections of equipment were conducted.
- A doctor or safety supervisor was absent during treatments.
- The absence of a licensed technician for administering therapy was noted.
Nessel stated that these oversights contributed to an environment where a single spark ignited a deadly fire within seconds. The four individuals arrested include Tamela Peterson, head of the Oxford Center; Gary Marken, her assistant; Jeffrey Mosteller, the safety manager; and Aleta Moffitt, who operated the chamber during the incident. Each faces significant charges related to negligence and falsification of medical records.
The family of Thomas Cooper plans to file a lawsuit against the facility as investigations continue into its practices. Meanwhile, another location of the Oxford Center is also under scrutiny by authorities for similar issues.
This case highlights serious concerns about patient safety in unregulated medical environments and raises questions about accountability within alternative medicine practices.
