Charges Filed After 5-Year-Old Dies in Hyperbaric Chamber Explosion
Three individuals face second-degree murder charges in connection with the death of 5-year-old Thomas Cooper, who was killed by an explosion in a hyperbaric chamber.
Overview
Three individuals have been charged with second-degree murder after a 5-year-old boy, Thomas Cooper, was killed in an explosion at the Oxford Center in Michigan. The incident, which occurred on January 31, 2025, involved a hyperbaric chamber filled with 100% oxygen, making it highly flammable. The charges stem from alleged negligence in safety protocols prior to the explosion. Attorney General Dana Nessel indicated that the facility had violated numerous safety standards, contributing to the tragic death of the child.
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Analysis
- Three individuals charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of 5-year-old Thomas Cooper, who died in an explosion at the Oxford Center's hyperbaric chamber.
- The Michigan Attorney General emphasized a blatant disregard for safety protocols and the risky nature of operating hyperbaric chambers without proper precautions, leading to a preventable tragedy.
- The Oxford Center is described as operating beyond accreditation standards and engaging in unapproved treatments, which ultimately posed a significant risk to children.
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The explosion occurred due to alleged negligence in safety protocols, including the lack of a daily maintenance check, pre-dive safety check, and the absence of a medical doctor or safety supervisor during the treatment. The chamber was also operated beyond its expected service lifetime without proper safety measures.
Four individuals have been charged: Tamela Peterson (CEO), Jeffrey Mosteller (Safety Manager), Gary Marken (Primary Management Assistant), and Aleta Moffitt (the operator of the hyperbaric chamber). Peterson, Mosteller, and Marken are charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter, while Moffitt is charged with involuntary manslaughter and falsifying medical records.
Thomas Cooper's mother was injured in the explosion, sustaining burns to her arms as she attempted to rescue her son.
The Oxford Center does not appear on the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society's list of accredited facilities as of February 2025.
History
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