Troy, Michigan – The Michigan Attorney General’s Office has filed charges against four individuals in connection to the tragic death of a 5-year-old boy, Thomas Cooper, who lost his life in an explosion inside a hyperbaric chamber. According to Attorney General Dana Nessel, the Oxford Center owner Tami Peterson, safety director Jeffrey Mosteller, and director of operations Gary Marken face second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter charges. Additionally, Aleta Moffitt, who was operating the chamber during the incident, is accused of involuntary manslaughter and falsifying information on a medical form.
Nessel revealed that expert consultations on hyperbaric treatment led to alarming conclusions about the safety practices at the center. The investigation highlighted serious safety lapses, including the use of chambers beyond their recommended service life, lack of maintenance checks, absence of safety supervisors, and unlicensed technicians operating the equipment.
The attorney general condemned the negligent behavior of the defendants, stating that their actions demonstrated a reckless disregard for the potential consequences, resulting in a high risk of death or harm. The charges of second-degree murder were deemed appropriate based on the willful nature of their actions.
Hyperbaric chambers are commonly used for specific medical conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning and decompression sickness. However, in this case, it was found that Thomas was receiving treatment for conditions not approved by the FDA, such as ADHD and sleep apnea. The misuse of the chambers for unapproved therapies raised serious concerns about the practices at the Oxford Center.
The center, located in Troy, released a statement expressing surprise at the timing of the charges and emphasizing its commitment to the safety and well-being of its clients. Despite ongoing investigations into the incident, the Attorney General’s Office proceeded with legal action, prompting the center to respond to the allegations.
Following the tragedy, Thomas’s family enlisted the services of prominent attorney Geoffrey Fieger to explore legal options. Fieger, known for representing high-profile cases, expressed condolences to the family and highlighted the importance of prioritizing child safety in such incidents. The family’s grief and the search for answers underscored the need for stringent oversight and regulation of hyperbaric treatments.
The fundraising campaign for Thomas has garnered significant support, reflecting the community’s solidarity with the family in their time of loss. Descriptions of Thomas as a vibrant and curious child further humanize the impact of the tragedy, highlighting the void left by his untimely passing.
In the wake of this heartbreaking event, questions remain about the circumstances leading to the explosion and the responsibilities of those involved. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adherence to safety protocols and ethical standards in medical practices, especially when dealing with vulnerable populations like children.