Who’s to Blame?

A Tragic Loss That Shocked the Nation

On January 31, 2025, tragedy struck at The Oxford Center in Troy, Michigan, when 5-year-old Thomas Cooper lost his life in a catastrophic hyperbaric oxygen chamber explosion. His mother, Annie Cooper, was in an adjacent room and, upon witnessing the fire, rushed in to save her son, sustaining severe burns in the process. The case has since led to criminal charges against four individuals linked to the facility.

As shocking details continue to emerge, we investigate what went wrong, who is responsible, and what this means for the future of hyperbaric therapy.

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, typically used for conditions like decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, and chronic wounds. However, some alternative wellness centers have marketed it for unapproved treatments, including ADHD and sleep apnea, the conditions for which Thomas was receiving therapy.

According to the FDA, HBOT should only be used for approved medical conditions, yet facilities across the country promote it for various unverified treatments.

What Went Wrong? The Deadly Explosion

Key Facts of the Incident:

• The chamber caught fire mid-session, leading to an explosion that resulted in Thomas’s death.

• His mother, rushed in and suffered second- and third-degree burns while attempting to save her son.

• The chamber was reportedly beyond its expected service lifespan and not properly maintained.

• Oxygen-rich environments are highly flammable, raising concerns over potential violations of safety protocols.

Who is Being Held Responsible?

Following an extensive investigation, prosecutors have charged the following individuals:

• Tamela Peterson, 58 (Founder & CEO) – Second-degree murder

• Gary Marken, 65 (Facility Manager) – Second-degree murder & involuntary manslaughter

• Gary Mosteller, 64 (Safety Manager) – Second-degree murder & involuntary manslaughter

• Aleta Moffitt, 60 (Chamber Operator) – Involuntary manslaughter & falsifying medical records

Legal experts suggest that if convicted, the accused could face decades in prison for negligence and misconduct leading to a preventable death.

How This Could Have Been Prevented

According to safety regulations set by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS):

• Hyperbaric chambers must be inspected regularly.

• Only trained professionals should operate these systems.

• Facilities should follow FDA-approved treatment guidelines.

The Oxford Center was not UHMS-accredited, raising concerns about its lack of oversight. Experts warn that many alternative therapy centers lack proper safety protocols, putting patients at risk.

How to Protect Yourself & Your Loved Ones

If you are considering HBOT, follow these guidelines: ✅ Verify FDA approval for your condition. ✅ Ensure the facility is UHMS-accredited. ✅ Ask about maintenance & safety measures. ✅ Avoid treatments based on unsupported claims.

The Aftermath: What Happens Next?

This tragedy has sparked national discussions about medical negligence in alternative therapy centers. Lawmakers are now pushing for stricter regulations to ensure patient safety. Meanwhile, Thomas’s devastated family continues to fight for justice.

As this case unfolds, Crazy TV will continue providing exclusive updates and expert insights.

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