Tragic Death of 5-Year-Old Boy in Oxygen Chamber Explosion Leads to Multiple Charges
On January 31, a devastating tragedy unfolded at the Oxford Center in Troy, Michigan, when a 5-year-old boy named Thomas Cooper was killed in an explosion of a pressurized oxygen chamber during a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session. Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene, while his mother, who attempted to save him, sustained burn injuries. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel revealed that the explosion was caused by a spark, which ignited the oxygen-rich environment, leading to a fatal fire within seconds. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community and raised serious questions about the safety and legality of the procedures conducted at the facility.
Four individuals have been charged in connection with Thomas’s death. Tamela Peterson, the 58-year-old founder and CEO of the Oxford Center, is facing charges of second-degree murder. Gary Marken, the 65-year-old facility manager, and Gary Mosteller, the 64-year-old safety manager, are charged with both second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. Aleta Moffitt, the 60-year-old operator of the oxygen chamber at the time of the explosion, is charged with involuntary manslaughter and falsifying medical records. All four suspects were arrested on Monday and pleaded not guilty during their arraignment in Troy District Court.
High Bonds Set as Legal Proceedings Begin
During the arraignment, Assistant Attorney General Chris Kessel expressed concerns that Peterson might flee due to her access to significant financial resources. Peterson’s lawyer, Gerald Gleeson II, requested a reasonable bond, but Magistrate Elizabeth Chiappelli set a $2 million bond for Peterson. Marken and Mosteller each received a $250,000 bond, while Moffitt’s bond was set at $100,000. The high bond amounts surprised some of the defense attorneys, with Raymond Cassar, representing Marken, describing the charges as unexpected. “This was a tragic accident, not an intentional act,” Cassar said, emphasizing that his client is presumed innocent. Moffitt’s attorney, Ellen Michaels, also expressed sympathy for the family and highlighted her client’s dedication to patient care.
A Questionable Medical Practice with Deadly Consequences
The Oxford Center had been providing hyperbaric oxygen therapy to Thomas for conditions such as sleep apnea and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, these conditions are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for such treatment. Attorney General Nessel criticized the center for offering “medically unsound” treatments that were not covered by insurance, describing the facility as a “pure cash-flow, for-profit business.” Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is typically used for conditions like severe burns, decompression sickness, and non-healing wounds, but the Oxford Center reportedly advertised its use for unapproved disorders.
Safety Violations and Regulatory Neglect Exposed
Investigations into the incident revealed alarming safety violations at the Oxford Center.According to Nessel, the facility failed to perform required maintenance checks on the day of the explosion, had no medical doctor on-site, and allowed unlicensed technicians to operate the hyperbaric chambers. Experts consulted by investigators found that the center routinely operated its chambers beyond their expected service lifetime and ignored critical safety measures. The Oxford Center is not accredited by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, which is recommended by the FDA for ensuring safe practices. Nessel emphasized that Thomas’s death could have been prevented if proper safety protocols had been followed.
Community and Legal Reactions to the Tragedy
The Oxford Center released a statement expressing condolences and stating that the safety and well-being of its patients are its top priorities. However, the facility admitted that it does not yet know why the explosion occurred and pledged to cooperate with ongoing investigations. Meanwhile, the legal teams for the defendants have begun to build their cases, with some arguing that the charges are excessive. The tragedy has sparked widespread outrage and grief, with many calling for greater oversight of hyperbaric oxygen therapy centers. As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring justice for Thomas and preventing similar incidents in the future.
In the wake of this heartbreaking event, the community is left to grapple with the loss of a young life and the failures that led to his death. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of medical regulation, accountability, and the need for transparency in healthcare practices.
