Michigan mom who braved flames for son in hyperbaric chamber explosion stresses treatment dangers: attorney

The tragic death of 5-year-old Thomas Cooper during a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session has left his family and community heartbroken. Thomas, who was being treated for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sleep apnea, was inside a hyperbaric chamber at The Oxford Center in Troy, Michigan, when the chamber exploded on January 31. His mother, Annie Cooper, who was in the waiting room, rushed to her son’s side when she realized something was wrong. Despite her desperate efforts to save him, she was unable to pull him from the flames and sustained serious burns in the process. The incident has sparked an investigation into the safety and regulation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, as well as allegations of negligence against The Oxford Center.

Annie Cooper’s bravery and love for her child are evident in her attempt to rescue Thomas, even as flames engulfed the hyperbaric chamber. According to the family’s attorney, James Harrington of Fieger Law, Annie sustained significant burns to her arm while trying to save her son. Tragically, Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene when emergency responders arrived. The Oxford Center, where the incident occurred, has faced scrutiny for its alleged lack of proper staffing and emergency preparedness. Harrington believes the facility was unprepared to handle such a critical situation, which may have contributed to the tragic outcome. The case is now under investigation by Michigan State Police, with Fieger Law preparing to file a lawsuit against The Oxford Center on behalf of the Cooper family.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, is often marketed as an alternative treatment for a variety of conditions, including ADHD, sleep apnea, and chronic wounds. The Oxford Center’s website touts the therapy’s benefits, claiming it can reduce inflammation, stimulate blood vessel growth, and even release stem cells. However, Harrington and other critics argue that such claims are not universally supported by scientific evidence. While the therapy has been used for decades to treat decompression sickness in divers and certain types of carbon monoxide poisoning, its effectiveness for conditions like ADHD remains controversial. Some medical professionals caution that hyperbaric chambers are not regulated as strictly in Michigan as they are in other states, which may leave patients at risk.

The Cooper family’s loss has highlighted the need for greater oversight of hyperbaric oxygen therapy facilities. Harrington alleges that centers like The Oxford Center often target desperate parents seeking alternative treatments for their children. These facilities, he claims, prey on families’ hopes by promising miraculous results that are not backed by rigorous scientific research. While hyperbaric therapy can be beneficial in specific cases, its promotion as a cure-all for a wide range of conditions raises ethical and safety concerns. The tragedy of Thomas Cooper’s death serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with unregulated and inadequately supervised medical treatments.

Thomas Cooper was remembered by his loved ones as a vibrant and curious child with a contagious energy. His obituary describes him as a thoughtful, smart, and outgoing little boy who loved running, jumping, and exploring the world around him. Thomas had recently started music and dance classes and was excited about attending preschool. His dream was to become a chef so he could “cook with Mommy and Daddy and stay with them forever.” The loss of such a young life has left a void in the lives of everyone who knew him, and his family is now seeking justice to ensure that no other child or family endures a similar tragedy.

As the investigation into Thomas’s death continues, his family is advocating for greater accountability within the hyperbaric oxygen therapy industry. The Oxford Center has not responded to inquiries about the incident, but the Cooper family’s attorney is determined to hold the facility accountable for its alleged negligence. The case also raises broader questions about the regulation and marketing of alternative medical treatments, particularly those targeting vulnerable populations like children with developmental disorders. Thomas Cooper’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety, transparency, and scientific integrity in all medical practices. His legacy lives on in the love and memories of his family and friends, who will always remember him as a bright and joyful presence in their lives.