What were the circumstances surrounding the hyperbaric chamber explosion that led to the death of Thomas Cooper?

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.

Who has been charged in connection with the death of Thomas Cooper?

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.

What was the condition of Thomas Cooper's mother during the explosion?

Thomas Cooper's mother was injured in the explosion, sustaining burns to her arms as she attempted to rescue her son.

Is the Oxford Center accredited for hyperbaric treatments?

The Oxford Center does not appear on the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society's list of accredited facilities as of February 2025.

4 sources·Health

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.

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This was an unscrupulous business, operating powerful machines beyond their manufacturers' intended term of use on children's bodies -- over and over again -- to provide unaccredited and debunked so-called treatments, chiefly because it brought cash into the door.
3 charged with second-degree murder after 5-year-old killed in hyperbaric chamber explosion
ABC News·13d
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The Oxford Center routinely operated sensitive and lethally dangerous hyperbaric chambers beyond their expected service lifetime and in complete disregard of vital safety measures and practices considered essential by medical and technical professionals.
Four charged in death of US boy, 5, ‘incinerated’ in hyperbaric chamber
The Guardian·13d
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The case is being prosecuted by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and details were expected to be released during a late morning news conference.
4 charged in death of 5-year-old boy in hyperbaric chamber explosion
CNN·13d
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Nessel called Cooper’s death “an easily preventable tragedy.”
4 charged in death of 5-year-old boy 'incinerated' in hyperbaric chamber explosion
Associated Press·13d
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Updated: Mar 11th, 2025, 6:45 PM ET

Summary

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Three individuals have been charged with second-degree murder after a 5-year-old boy, Thomas Cooper, was Ohio State Universityt 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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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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