A young boy tragically died in a fire while receiving treatment for ADHD in an oxygen chamber, witnessed by his mother. On January 31, Thomas Cooper, aged five, was undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy for ADHD and sleep apnea when an explosion occurred, resulting in his death. The family has filed a £75 million lawsuit against the manufacturer and the facility where the incident took place.
During a news conference, Attorney General Dana Nessel stated that a spark led to a fire that quickly claimed Thomas’s life inside the hyperbaric chamber. The family’s lawyer mentioned that Thomas’s mother, Juana “Annie” Cooper, also sustained severe burns while trying to rescue her son. Describing hyperbaric oxygen chambers as dangerous, the lawyer referred to them as ‘death chambers’ and ‘coffins waiting to ignite’.
The lawyer emphasized the risks associated with these machines, highlighting the lack of safety features such as fire suppression systems and warnings about potential hazards. The incident occurred at the Oxford Center in Troy, Michigan, where the tragic event unfolded.
Hyperbaric chambers, which provide pure oxygen under pressure, are used for healing purposes, but their high oxygen content and pressurized environment make them highly flammable. While the FDA approved hyperbaric oxygen therapy for certain conditions, it was not authorized for treating the boy’s specific conditions.
The lawsuit named Sechrist Industries, the manufacturer of the hyperbaric chamber, and seven other defendants. Four individuals, including the facility’s CEO, primary management assistant, and safety manager, faced charges related to the explosion. The defendants pleaded not guilty to charges ranging from second-degree murder to involuntary manslaughter.
Following the incident, the Oxford Center expressed concern for the children’s safety and pledged cooperation with investigations to determine the cause. Thomas’s family has initiated a fundraising campaign to support their legal battle.
For further details and to contribute to the family’s cause, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-thomas-cooper-family-support.
