The Tragic Death of Thomas Cooper: A Preventable Medical Disaster Unfolds
On January 31, a devastating incident occurred at The Oxford Center in Troy, Michigan, that shook the community and raised serious questions about medical safety and accountability. Five-year-old Thomas Cooper lost his life in a horrific accident involving a pressurized oxygen chamber, commonly used for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The chamber, designed to provide concentrated oxygen for therapeutic purposes, exploded into flames during Thomas’s treatment, resulting in his death and severe injuries to his mother, who attempted to save him. The incident has led to criminal charges against four individuals, including the center’s founder and CEO, Tamela Peterson, as well as other staff members. This tragedy has sparked outrage and disbelief, highlighting critical lapses in safety protocols and the risks of unapproved medical treatments.
Individuals Facing Charges in the Tragic Incident
Four individuals have been charged in connection with Thomas Cooper’s death, with charges ranging from second-degree murder to involuntary manslaughter. Tamela Peterson, the 58-year-old founder and CEO of The Oxford Center, is facing second-degree murder charges. Gary Marken, 65, the facility manager, and Gary Mosteller, 64, the safety manager, are both charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. Aleta Moffitt, 60, the chamber operator, is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and falsifying medical records. These charges underscore the severity of the incident and the alleged negligence of those responsible for ensuring the safety of patients undergoing treatment at the center.
A Preventable Tragedy: Negligence and Lack of Safety Protocols
The Michigan Attorney General, Dana Nessel, described the incident as a "preventable tragedy," emphasizing that fires in hyperbaric chambers are catastrophic events that should never occur if proper safety measures are in place. Investigators found multiple safety lapses at The Oxford Center, including the absence of a patient grounding strap, no daily maintenance checks, and the lack of a licensed technician on site. Nessel also pointed out that the chamber was operating well beyond its service lifetime, further highlighting the facility’s negligence. These failures created an environment in which a single spark could ignite a deadly fire, which is exactly what happened during Thomas’s treatment.
The Response from the Accused and The Oxford Center
The attorneys for the accused individuals have defended their clients, claiming that the incident was a tragic accident rather than an intentional act. Raymond Cassar, the attorney for Gary Marken, stated, "This was a tragic accident and our thoughts and our prayers go out to the family of this little boy. I want to remind everyone that this was an accident, not an intentional act." Similarly, Aleta Moffitt’s attorney, Ellen Michaels, asked for patience as the legal process unfolds, adding that her client is devastated by the incident. The Oxford Center also released a statement expressing shock and emphasizing that the safety of children has always been a priority. However, these statements have done little to quell public outrage, as many questions remain unanswered about the facility’s practices and the unapproved treatments it offered.
Unapproved Treatments and the Dangers of Hyperbaric Therapy
Thomas Cooper was undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy for sleep apnea and ADHD, conditions for which the treatment is not FDA-approved. Hyperbaric therapy is typically used for conditions such as severe burns, carbon monoxide poisoning, and non-healing wounds, but it is not a recognized treatment for ADHD or sleep apnea. The FDA has warned patients to only use facilities accredited by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), a list that does not include The Oxford Center. Attorney General Nessel criticized the facility for operating as a "for-profit cash-flow business" that provided medically unsound and unsupported treatments. This lack of oversight and disregard for established medical guidelines raised the risk of complications and contributed to the tragic outcome.
The Aftermath and Calls for Accountability
The death of Thomas Cooper has sparked widespread grief and anger, with many demanding accountability for those responsible. The incident has also raised important questions about the regulation of hyperbaric therapy and the need for stricter oversight of medical facilities offering such treatments. The Oxford Center’s failure to meet basic safety standards and its willingness to offer unapproved treatments have been widely condemned, and the charges against the four individuals involved mark a significant step toward justice for Thomas and his family. As the legal process unfolds, the hope is that this tragedy will lead to meaningful changes in the way hyperbaric therapy is regulated and administered, ensuring that such a preventable disaster never happens again.
