4 arrested for hyperbaric chamber fire that killed 5-year-old Michigan boy: Report
Four individuals have been arrested in connection to the tragic death of a 5-year-old boy who was inside a hyperbaric chamber when it exploded at a medical facility in Troy, Michigan. Among those arrested is Tammi Peterson, the founder and CEO of The Oxford Center, the facility where the incident occurred.
Reports indicate that Peterson is facing charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter for the death of young Thomas Cooper. The hyperbaric chamber that exploded belonged to Peterson’s company, The Oxford Center. Three other individuals are also expected to be charged with the same crimes, with one of them facing additional charges of falsifying medical records.
The names of the three other individuals have not been released, and all four are scheduled to be arraigned in district court on Tuesday. The Troy Police Department has not provided additional information or comments at this time.
An attorney for The Oxford Center issued a statement expressing disappointment in the timing of the charges, stating that there are still unanswered questions about how the incident occurred. The statement emphasized the facility’s commitment to the safety and well-being of the children and families they serve.
On the day of the explosion, Thomas Cooper was in the hyperbaric chamber receiving treatment for ADHD and sleep apnea while his mother, Annie Cooper, was in a waiting room. Annie sustained serious burns while attempting to rescue her son from the chamber. The incident resulted in Thomas’ tragic death and left his family devastated.
The Oxford Center promotes hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a treatment that can decrease inflammation, oxygenate the body, stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, and release stem cells. However, the tragic events at the facility have raised concerns about the safety and staffing protocols in place.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and legal proceedings are underway. The family of Thomas Cooper has been left to mourn the loss of a young boy described as curious, energetic, smart, outgoing, and thoughtful. The community is reeling from the tragedy, and justice is being sought for the young life lost too soon.
