The Oxford Center, a wellness facility with locations in Brighton and Troy, Michigan, is at the center of a legal storm following the tragic death of a five-year-old boy, Thomas Cooper. The incident occurred on January 31 when a hyperbaric oxygen chamber burst into flames during Thomas' 36th therapy session for ADHD and sleep apnea. This devastating event has led to serious legal repercussions for the center's CEO, Tamela Peterson, and its safety director, Jeffrey Alan Mosteller. Both have been charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter, with the charges filed in 52-4 District Court in Troy, Michigan.
The Oxford Center offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a treatment for a wide range of conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, sports injuries, COVID-19, depression, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, strokes, migraine headaches, and even as an anti-aging treatment. However, it's important to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved this therapy for these conditions. The FDA has only sanctioned hyperbaric oxygen therapy for severe anemia, radiation injuries, and certain types of sudden hearing and vision loss.
Thomas Cooper's tragic death has cast a spotlight on the practices at The Oxford Center. During the fire, Thomas' mother, Annie Cooper, suffered third-degree burns to her arms and is enduring significant psychological trauma from the incident. The center's website claims that its safety director and director of training, Jeffrey Alan Mosteller, "has worked in every aspect of hyperbaric medicine" for 36 years. Mosteller has been vocal about his belief in the therapy's potential, citing "all of the amazing possibilities that Hyperbarics offers."
CEO Tamela Peterson founded The Oxford Center after experiencing the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy first-hand. She sought this treatment to aid her daughter, who had lost the ability to walk or talk following an infection with viral encephalitis. Despite her personal convictions and the center's promotional claims about the therapy's benefits for conditions like ADHD and sleep apnea, Thomas' death has raised critical questions about safety protocols and the legitimacy of such treatments.
In response to the charges, The Oxford Center issued a statement expressing surprise at the timing and characterizing the incident as an accident rather than an intentional act. The center faces mounting scrutiny over its operations and safety standards as the legal proceedings unfold.
Gary Marken, a foster parent and grandfather of seven who serves on The Oxford Center's advisory board and is listed as its director of operations, has publicly spoken about the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In a recorded podcast interview, Marken emphasized his personal commitment to the therapy based on his experiences.
The gravity of Thomas Cooper's death is underscored by comments from individuals close to the case. James Harrington remarked on the profound impact of such a tragedy on a family, stating, "It's literally the worst thing that any parent could (experience)." This sentiment resonates deeply with those affected by the incident and raises broader concerns about the safety of alternative therapies.
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