Hyperbaric Explosion Death of Boy, 5, Leads to Sentencing of Safety Director, as Judge Slams ‘Arrogance’

**Former Safety Director Sentenced for Manslaughter of Five-Year-Old in Hyperbaric Therapy Incident**

A former safety director from a Michigan hyperbaric oxygen therapy facility has been sentenced to a prison term ranging from 19 months to 15 years following the tragic death of five-year-old Thomas Cooper. Jeffrey Mosteller entered a no contest plea to the charge of involuntary manslaughter, which arose from events that transpired on 31 January 2025 at the Oxford Center in Troy, Michigan.

The incident occurred when a hyperbaric chamber within the facility ignited and exploded due to a failure to implement necessary safety measures, particularly the use of grounding straps. These straps are critical in discharging static electricity to prevent the occurrence of sparks during therapy sessions. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office confirmed the absence of these safety protocols, which significantly contributed to the accident.

Mosteller was criticised by Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Kwamé Rowe during the sentencing hearing for not addressing the lack of grounding straps, stating it was his responsibility to ensure safety standards were upheld. “It was incumbent upon you to say something,” Judge Rowe remarked, emphasising the gravity of his oversight.

Defending Mosteller, attorney Alona Sharon explained that the practice of operating without grounding straps predated her client’s employment at the facility. However, she acknowledged that he neglected to rectify this dangerous situation. “He is, your honour, someone who made a horrific mistake in this case that caused a tremendous loss for this family,” Sharon stated. She expressed that Mosteller comprehends the extensive impact of his errors and the severity of the situation.

The family of Thomas Cooper did not attend the sentencing or provide a victim-impact statement, reportedly due to the trauma still surrounding the incident. A prosecutor noted that for them, discussing the matter publicly remained too painful. Mosteller, in turn, also chose to remain silent during the proceedings, refraining from addressing the court.

Following Mosteller’s plea, the Attorney General’s office revealed that crucial safety protocols recommended by the National Fire Protection Association, as well as guidelines from the chamber’s manufacturer, Sechrist, had been overlooked. Nessel stated, “A young child lost his life in a completely preventable tragedy because this defendant allowed an outdated device to operate in defiance of safety standards.” Nessel expressed hope that the conviction would bring some measure of justice to Thomas’s family, acknowledging the irreparable loss they had endured.

At the time of the incident, Thomas was undergoing hyperbaric treatment for sleep apnea and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). His family’s attorney, James Harrington, disclosed that Thomas’s mother sustained burns on her arms while attempting to rescue her son from the fire that engulfed the chamber.

In the wake of Thomas’s tragic death, several individuals associated with the Oxford Center have faced legal repercussions. The CEO, Tamela Peterson, and operations director, Gary Marken, have been charged with second-degree murder and alternative counts of involuntary manslaughter, while the chamber operator, Aleta Moffitt, faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and intentionally submitting false information in a medical record. The legal proceedings for these other defendants are ongoing, and further complications may arise as a separate civil case remains pending.

In light of the incident, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up by Thomas’s family to assist with funeral and legal expenses, as they continue to cope with this devastating loss. The community has rallied around them during this difficult time, reflecting on the tragic circumstances that led to a young life being cut short.

As the case continues to unfold, it serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols, especially in facilities responsible for vulnerable individuals. The loss of young Thomas Cooper highlights the devastating consequences that can emerge from negligence and the failure to prioritise safety in therapeutic environments.