News Summary
The family of 5-year-old Thomas Cooper has filed a $100 million lawsuit against multiple parties following his tragic death in a hyperbaric chamber explosion. The incident occurred at the Oxford Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center during a treatment session. The lawsuit claims negligence and failure to follow safety protocols, with serious allegations against the facility operators and staff. The case has raised concerns about safety regulations within the hyperbaric treatment industry and has led to criminal charges against several individuals involved in the incident.
Troy, Michigan – The family of a 5-year-old boy, Thomas Cooper, who died in a hyperbaric chamber explosion, has filed a $100 million lawsuit against several parties, including facility operators, manufacturers, and employees. The tragic incident occurred on January 31, 2025, at the Oxford Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center while Thomas was undergoing treatment for sleep apnea and ADHD.
At the time of the explosion, Thomas’s mother was present and attempted to save her son, suffering arm injuries in the process. This lawsuit names multiple defendants, including Sechrist Industries, the Oxford Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center LLC, the Oxford Kids Foundation, Office Ventures Troy LLC (property owners), and several individual employees such as CEO Tamela Peterson, technician Aleta Moffitt, safety manager Jeffrey Mosteller, and operations director Gary Marken.
Attorneys from Fieger Law, representing the Cooper family, allege that the explosion was the result of “foreseeable, inevitable, and virtually certain” negligence concerning safety protocols. Michigan Attorney Dana Nessel disclosed that crucial safety measures were overlooked; notably, no medical doctor or licensed technician was present during the treatment, and annual safety inspections for the hyperbaric chamber had not been performed.
Among the critical failures cited in the lawsuit, essential safety equipment, including a patient-worn grounding strap, was reportedly not used while operating the hyperbaric chamber. The facility allegedly operated this chamber beyond its expected service life and failed to include warnings about the high fire risks linked to its operation.
Following the incident, criminal charges were brought against several individuals involved. Tamela Peterson and safety manager Jeffrey Mosteller face charges of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter, while operations director Gary Marken faces the same charges. Technician Aleta Moffitt is charged with involuntary manslaughter and the additional charge of falsifying medical records.
The lawsuit aims for substantial financial compensation as well as clarity regarding the negligence that led to the devastating incident. At a press conference held by Fieger Law, attorneys displayed images of the fallout from the explosion, revealing a charred hyperbaric chamber and gurney. The case has intensified discussions surrounding safety regulations in hyperbaric treatment facilities and the responsibility of both manufacturers and operators.
It is noteworthy that the FDA does not recognize hyperbaric oxygen therapy for treating the conditions for which Thomas was being treated, raising alarms regarding the unregulated use of such therapies in wellness industries. The lawsuit describes the hyperbaric chamber as a “coffin waiting to ignite” due to its highly flammable environment.
In summary, the Cooper family’s lawsuit against the Oxford Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center and involved parties spotlights serious safety concerns and potential negligence within the hyperbaric treatment space. The tragic circumstances surrounding Thomas Cooper’s death have ignited significant scrutiny of safety measures and regulatory practices in facilities offering hyperbaric treatments.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.