UPDATE: The preliminary hearing for four individuals charged in the tragic death of 5-year-old Thomas Cooper resumed today in Troy, Michigan. This case stems from a devastating hyperbaric chamber explosion that occurred on January 31, 2025, raising critical questions about safety protocols at The Oxford Center.
Prosecutors assert that Cooper’s death was entirely preventable, alleging that essential safety measures were ignored. Key figures in the case, including Tamela Peterson, CEO of The Oxford Center; Gary Marken, the center’s manager; Aleta Moffitt, the operator of the hyperbaric machine; and Jeffrey Mosteller, the safety director, are facing serious charges in connection with this incident.
Today’s proceedings featured testimony from Andrew Melnyczenko, the technical and safety director of hyperbaric medicine for the Mayo Clinic. Melnyczenko confirmed, “About 40 minutes passed from the time the chamber was pressurized to the moment where a flame was seen.” He revealed that video footage showed Thomas moving within the chamber, which may have contributed to the igniting of a flame.
Melnyczenko emphasized that The Oxford Center failed to adhere to established industry safety standards, stating, “What I observed was that Thomas was moving about in the chamber… and that’s where the flame was seen.” Additionally, he noted that Thomas was not wearing a grounding strap at the time of the explosion, which is a critical safety measure.
The prosecution is building a compelling case, highlighting the dangerous conditions under which Thomas was treated. A former employee had previously testified about ongoing safety concerns at The Oxford Center, further complicating the defense’s position.
The hearing, which resumed today after a two-month break, is expected to continue tomorrow, with more witnesses likely to be called to the stand. The implications of this case extend beyond the courtroom, raising urgent questions about the safety of hyperbaric treatments and the accountability of medical facilities.
As this story develops, it underscores the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols in medical environments. Families relying on such treatments deserve assurance that their loved ones are in safe hands. Further updates are anticipated as the preliminary hearing unfolds. Stay tuned for more details as this urgent case progresses.
