Charges Filed After 5-Year-Old Dies in Hyperbaric Chamber Blast

UPDATE: A preliminary hearing continues today for four individuals charged in the tragic death of 5-year-old Thomas Cooper, who died in a hyperbaric chamber explosion at The Oxford Center in Troy, Michigan. Prosecutors assert that the incident, which occurred on January 31, 2025, was entirely preventable, raising critical safety concerns.

During the hearing, which resumed on Monday after a two-month hiatus, expert testimony revealed alarming lapses in safety protocols at the facility. The four charged individuals include Tamela Peterson, CEO of The Oxford Center; Gary Marken, the manager; Aleta Moffitt, the operator of the hyperbaric chamber; and Jeffrey Mosteller, the safety director. All were present in court as the prosecution presented its case.

Testifying for the prosecution, Andrew Melnyczenko, the technical and safety director of hyperbaric medicine for the Mayo Clinic, highlighted critical failures in safety procedures. “About 40 minutes passed from the time the chamber was pressurized to the moment a flame was seen,” Melnyczenko stated, referencing video evidence of the explosion. He described how Thomas moved within the chamber, inadvertently exposing a portion of the mattress that ignited.

Melnyczenko’s testimony underscored the absence of essential safety measures, including that Thomas was not wearing a grounding strap at the time of the explosion. “That’s correct,” he confirmed when asked about the grounding strap’s absence, emphasizing the severe negligence involved.

The emotional weight of this tragedy continues to resonate with the community, as parents and advocates call for stricter regulations in the hyperbaric medicine industry. The hearing is expected to further explore the implications of this incident as it unfolds, with many looking for accountability and justice for young Thomas Cooper.

The preliminary hearing will resume tomorrow, Tuesday, as the court examines additional witness testimonies and evidence surrounding this devastating event. Stay tuned for the latest updates as this urgent case develops.