A young child tragically lost his life in a devastating incident while receiving treatment for ADHD in a pressurized oxygen chamber, witnessed by his mother.
The incident occurred on January 31 when five-year-old Thomas Cooper was undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy for ADHD and sleep apnea. Tragically, the machine exploded during the treatment session. The family has initiated legal action, seeking £75 million in damages against both the manufacturer and the treatment facility.
During a news conference, Attorney General Dana Nessel stated that a small spark escalated into a fatal fire that claimed Thomas’s life within moments. She emphasized that fires in hyperbaric chambers are typically fatal due to the rapid spread of flames. The family’s attorney described the chamber as a hazardous environment, labeling it a ‘death chamber’ and ‘a potential fire hazard.’
The lawyer representing Thomas’s mother, Juana “Annie” Cooper, revealed that she sustained severe burns while attempting to rescue her son from the chamber. The legal team criticized the lack of safety measures in place, highlighting the absence of fire suppression systems, warning labels, and emergency extraction protocols.
The tragic incident unfolded at the Oxford Center in Troy, Michigan, where the hyperbaric chamber was being used for oxygen therapy. While the FDA has approved hyperbaric oxygen therapy for certain medical conditions, the chamber’s use for treating ADHD and sleep apnea was not sanctioned.
Apart from the chamber’s manufacturer, Sechrist Industries, seven individuals were named in the lawsuit. Four of them faced charges related to the explosion, including second-degree murder allegations against the facility’s CEO, primary management assistant, and safety manager. The chamber operator was charged with involuntary manslaughter and falsifying medical records.
In response to the allegations, the defendants’ legal representatives emphasized the presumption of innocence and stressed that the incident was an accident. The facility expressed shock over the tragedy, noting their long history of providing therapy without such incidents.
To support their legal battle, Thomas’s family has launched a fundraising campaign. For more information, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-thomas-cooper-family-support.