TROY, Mich. – Four individuals are now facing charges in connection with the tragic death of 5-year-old Thomas Cooper, who lost his life in an explosion involving a hyperbaric chamber at the Oxford Center in Troy. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced on Tuesday that three of the individuals are facing second-degree murder charges for their alleged roles in the incident. Among those charged are the owner of the Oxford Center, Tamela Peterson, the Safety Manager Jeffrey Mosteller, and Gary Marken, the primary management assistant at the facility.
Each of the accused is charged with either Second-Degree Murder, which carries a potential life sentence, or Involuntary Manslaughter, a felony with a 15-year penalty. In addition to these individuals, Aleta Moffitt, the operator of the hyperbaric chamber, is also facing charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the tragic event.
The incident occurred on January 31st while Thomas Cooper was undergoing treatment at the Oxford Center. The explosion was reported to have originated from within the hyperbaric chamber, leading to the young boy’s untimely death. According to reports, safety protocols were not followed, as highlighted by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who emphasized the lack of proper maintenance checks, safety procedures, and oversight during the treatment.
Family attorney mentioned that Thomas Cooper was undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy at the Oxford Center for sleep apnea and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder when the fatal incident occurred. The attorney emphasized that adherence to safety protocols could have prevented the tragic outcome, pointing to negligence and a disregard for safety as contributing factors to the devastating loss of the child’s life.
In response to this heartbreaking event, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel expressed a commitment to seeking justice for Thomas and ensuring accountability for those responsible. The investigation into the incident was noted to be ongoing, with efforts aimed at uncovering the full extent of the circumstances that led to the fatal explosion at the Oxford Center in Troy, Michigan.
As the case continues to unfold, the community mourns the loss of a young life and grapples with the implications of the safety lapses that contributed to this tragedy. The call for justice and accountability remains at the forefront, as authorities work to bring closure to the family of Thomas Cooper and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.