5 Critical Revelations In The Thomas Cooper Hyperbaric Chamber Tragedy: Lawsuit And Criminal Charges Update

The tragic death of 5-year-old Thomas Cooper inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber has become a pivotal case, not only exposing potential failures in alternative medicine regulation but also triggering major legal and criminal fallout. As of December 13, 2025, the incident, which occurred on January 31, 2024, at The Oxford Center in Troy, Michigan, continues to dominate headlines, with ongoing preliminary hearings and a massive civil lawsuit seeking justice for the young victim. This article breaks down the most critical, up-to-date information regarding the explosion, the criminal charges, and the $100 million legal battle. The case has raised profound questions about the safety protocols and oversight of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) when administered for non-FDA-approved conditions, such as the ADHD and sleep apnea treatments Thomas Cooper was receiving. The details emerging from the court proceedings reveal a disturbing picture of alleged negligence and protocol breaches that led to the catastrophic fire and subsequent explosion.

Biography and Circumstances of Thomas Cooper

Thomas Cooper was a 5-year-old boy from Michigan whose life was tragically cut short in a hyperbaric chamber explosion. While the public record focuses primarily on the circumstances of his death, the details reveal a family seeking non-traditional medical treatments for their child.

• Name: Thomas Cooper
• Age: 5 years old (at the time of death)
• Date of Incident: January 31, 2024
• Location of Incident: The Oxford Center (also known as Oxford Recovery Center) in Troy, Michigan, Oakland County.
• Treatment Purpose: He was receiving Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) sessions, reportedly for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and sleep apnea.
• Cause of Death: Fire and subsequent explosion within the hyperbaric chamber.
• Family's Actions: Thomas's mother reportedly jumped towards the flames in a desperate, heroic attempt to save her son.
• Legal Representation: The family is represented by the Fieger Law firm in their civil suit.

The Catastrophic Incident and Shocking Cause of the Explosion

The event on January 31, 2024, at the Troy facility was a terrifying failure of medical equipment under pressure. The hyperbaric chamber, which uses 100% oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure, is inherently a high-risk environment if safety protocols are compromised.

The tragedy unfolded when a fire erupted inside the chamber where young Thomas was undergoing treatment. The presence of pure oxygen in the chamber created an environment where a small spark could rapidly escalate into an inferno and explosion.

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The Smoking Gun: Electrical Components

Testimony from experts during the preliminary hearing has pointed toward a specific and alarming cause. Evidence suggests that the source of the fire was the electrical components within the hyperbaric chamber itself. This finding is critical, as it suggests a failure either in the chamber's design, its maintenance, or the procedures for its use.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is an FDA-approved treatment for a limited number of conditions, such as decompression sickness and severe infections. However, its use for conditions like ADHD is considered "off-label" and has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), raising questions about the regulation of these alternative treatments.

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Legal Fallout: $100 Million Lawsuit and Criminal Charges

The aftermath of Thomas Cooper's death has resulted in simultaneous legal battles: a massive civil lawsuit seeking financial damages and a high-profile criminal case against the facility's leadership and staff. This dual-track legal approach underscores the severity of the alleged negligence.

The $100 Million Civil Lawsuit

The Cooper family has filed a staggering $100 million civil lawsuit against The Oxford Center, its employees, and the manufacturer of the hyperbaric chamber. The lawsuit alleges gross negligence, claiming the facility failed to follow established safety protocols, improperly maintained the equipment, and provided treatment that was not medically necessary or approved for the child's conditions. This civil action aims to hold all parties accountable for the catastrophic loss and to ensure such an incident never happens again.

Four Individuals Face Criminal Charges

In a rare move for a medical facility incident, the Michigan Attorney General's Office announced criminal charges against four individuals connected to The Oxford Center. The defendants include key personnel responsible for the center's operations and safety:

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• Tamela Peterson: The CEO of The Oxford Center.
• Safety Director: An individual responsible for overseeing safety procedures.
• Primary Manager: A manager involved in the day-to-day operations.
• Chamber Operator: The employee directly operating the hyperbaric chamber at the time of the incident.

The charges, which include various degrees of involuntary manslaughter and child abuse, allege that the defendants knowingly or recklessly disregarded the safety risks associated with the hyperbaric chamber, leading directly to Thomas Cooper's death. Preliminary hearings are currently underway, with experts providing detailed testimony on the chamber's logs, maintenance records, and the chain of events leading up to the explosion.

The Critical Question of Hyperbaric Chamber Safety and Regulation

The Thomas Cooper tragedy has shone an unforgiving light on the hyperbaric therapy industry, particularly the use of Monoplace Hyperbaric Chambers for off-label treatments. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has strict guidelines for these chambers, which must be rigorously followed to prevent fire and explosion risks in a high-oxygen environment.

The ongoing court proceedings are scrutinizing whether The Oxford Center adhered to these critical safety standards, including proper training for the chamber operator, regular equipment inspections, and adherence to protocols regarding what items are allowed inside the chamber. The outcome of the criminal and civil cases will likely set a new precedent for the regulation, oversight, and liability of alternative health and recovery centers across the United States. The case serves as a grave warning about the dangers of unapproved medical practices and the vital necessity of stringent safety compliance in high-risk therapeutic environments.