Arrests and Charges in the Death of Thomas Cooper
Four individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with the tragic death of 5-year-old Thomas Cooper, who lost his life in a fiery explosion during a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session at the Oxford Center in Troy, Michigan, on January 31. Thomas was undergoing treatment for sleep apnea and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder at the alternative medicine facility. Among those charged is Tamela Peterson, the founder and CEO of the Oxford Center, along with three others: Gary Marken, Jeffrey Mosteller, and Aleta Moffitt. Peterson, Marken, and Mosteller face charges of second-degree murder, while Moffitt is charged with involuntary manslaughter and intentionally falsifying medical records. The defendants are set to appear in court for arraignment.
The Oxford Center’s Response to the Tragedy
The Oxford Center has expressed surprise at the charges, stating that they had been cooperating fully with investigations since the incident occurred. In a statement to local media, the facility claimed that the typical protocol following a fire-related accident had not yet been completed and that there were still unanswered questions about how the explosion happened. Despite this, the center maintained that the safety and wellbeing of their patients are their top priority. However, the charges have cast a shadow over the facility’s operations, raising questions about the safety measures in place during hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions.
The Tragic Incident and Its Aftermath
Thomas Cooper’s life was cut short when a hyperbaric chamber at the Oxford Center exploded, causing a fire. His mother, Annie Cooper, who was present during the session, attempted to save her son but sustained burns on her arm in the process. The family’s attorney, James Harrington, has described the incident as “egregious” and expressed no surprise at the charges brought against the individuals involved. Harrington also confirmed that the family plans to file a civil lawsuit against the Oxford Center, seeking justice for the loss of their child. The Cooper family has been left devastated by the tragedy, with Harrington noting that they are doing “absolutely horrible” since Thomas’s death.
Safety Concerns and Regulatory Issues Surrounding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and regulation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, particularly in alternative medicine facilities. While hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a recognized treatment for conditions such as carbon monoxide poisoning, burns, and decompression sickness, it is not FDA-approved for conditions like autism, Alzheimer’s, or cancer. Facilities like the Oxford Center, which promote hyperbaric therapy for these unapproved conditions, have come under scrutiny in recent years. The Oxford Center claims to treat over 100 conditions, many of which are not recognized by the FDA as treatable with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This has led to questions about the facility’s practices and the lack of oversight in the industry.
Background on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves delivering 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which can be beneficial for certain medical conditions. The FDA regulates hyperbaric chambers classified as Class II medical devices, which are intended for diagnosing or treating specific conditions. However, the growing trend of unaccredited facilities, such as spas and wellness centers, promoting hyperbaric therapy for unapproved conditions has raised red flags. The Oxford Center, with two locations in Michigan, has been at the center of this controversy, offering the therapy for conditions like autism and ADHD, despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for these uses.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The arrest of the Oxford Center’s staff and leadership has brought some sense of accountability to the Cooper family, though it does little to ease their grief. As the legal process unfolds, the case is expected to shed light on the regulation and safety standards of alternative medicine facilities offering hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The community is left to grapple with the loss of a young life and the broader implications of this tragedy. Whether through criminal charges or a civil lawsuit, the Cooper family hopes to ensure that such a heartbreaking incident never happens again.
