A tragic incident at the Oxford Center in Troy, Michigan, led to the death of a 5-year-old boy, Thomas Cooper. The explosion of a hyperbaric oxygen chamber resulted in his immediate death, while his mother suffered severe burns trying to save him. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has charged four people in connection with the case, stating that the center failed to follow vital safety measures.
The Tragic Incident
On January 31, 2024, Thomas Cooper was undergoing treatment for sleep apnea and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at the Oxford Center. While inside the pressurized oxygen chamber, a spark ignited a massive fire, killing him instantly. His mother, who was present, suffered severe burns while trying to rescue her son. Authorities believe that the fire spread within seconds, making survival impossible.
Charges Against Oxford Center Officials
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced charges against four individuals responsible for operating the facility:
- Tamela Peterson (58) – Founder and CEO of the Oxford Center, charged with second-degree murder.
- Gary Marken (65) – Facility manager, charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.
- Gary Mosteller (64) – Safety manager, charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.
- Aleta Moffitt (60) – The chamber operator at the time of the explosion, charged with involuntary manslaughter and falsifying medical records.
All four individuals were arrested and pleaded not guilty. The court set high bonds, with Peterson’s at $2 million, Marken and Mosteller’s at $250,000 each, and Moffitt’s at $100,000.
The Facility’s Negligence
Attorney General Nessel criticized the Oxford Center for operating dangerously and ignoring safety protocols. Key issues identified include:
- No daily maintenance check was performed on the hyperbaric chamber.
- No medical doctor was present on-site.
- A licensed technician did not conduct the treatment.
- The facility used expired hyperbaric chambers beyond their expected service life.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has strict guidelines for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, allowing its use for conditions like severe burns and decompression sickness. However, Thomas was being treated for conditions not approved by the FDA, and insurance would not cover these treatments.
Legal Reactions and Statements
Defense attorneys argued that the incident was a tragic accident rather than a crime. Peterson’s lawyer, Gerald Gleeson II, requested a lower bond, while Marken’s attorney, Raymond Cassar, expressed shock over the second-degree murder charge. Moffitt’s lawyer, Ellen Michaels, called for patience and fairness during the trial process.
Safety and Future Concerns
The FDA recommends only using hyperbaric centers that are inspected and accredited by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. The Oxford Center was not on the society’s list of accredited facilities as of February 2025.
Attorney General Nessel emphasized that proper safety measures could have prevented this tragedy. Investigators concluded that the center prioritized profits over patient safety, leading to devastating consequences.
