Michigan Hyperbaric Chamber Death Prompts Legal Charges, Safety Concerns

The tragic death of 5-year-old Thomas Cooper in a hyperbaric chamber explosion at the Oxford Center in Michigan has led to murder charges against the clinic's founder and three employees. The incident occurred on January 31, 2025, when a fire ignited inside the chamber during treatment, resulting in Thomas's death and injuries to his mother. Investigations revealed that safety protocols were ignored, including the use of highly flammable pillows that violated safety regulations. The charges against the staff include second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter, highlighting the need for stricter oversight in the largely unregulated wellness industry. The community has come together in support of the Cooper family, with emotional distress and grief felt widely in the area. This case has sparked discussions on the safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, particularly for unapproved uses such as treating ADHD and sleep apnea.