Tragedy struck on January 31, 2025, when five-year-old Thomas Cooper lost his life due to the explosion of a hyperbaric chamber at The Oxford Center, located in Troy, Michigan. This incident, which occurred at around 8 a.m., also left his mother injured as she stood nearby.
Thomas, who was from Royal Oak, was reportedly inside the chamber receiving treatment when the explosion took place. Troy Police Lt. Ben Hancock stated, "The mother of the child suffered some injuries to her arms as she was standing right next to the chamber as the explosion occurred." Immediate investigations were launched, with officials confirming no other staff or patients were injured during the incident. The specific treatment Thomas was receiving at the facility remains unclear.
According to family members, Thomas was described as loving life, with interests ranging from running and swimming to plans of trying mountain BMX racing and karate during the summer. A GoFundMe page organized for him captured his joyful essence: "He loved life. He loved running and swimming. He was planning to try mountain BMX racing and karate this summer," it noted. It has raised over $26,000 as of February 1, reflecting the outpouring of support from the community.
The Oxford Center, where the tragedy unfolded, has been operating for over 15 years. Their primary offerings include hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which is often used to treat various medical conditions such as decompression sickness and serious wounds. These chambers contain 100% oxygen, meaning they can be highly combustible. Troy Fire Lt. Keith Young expressed concerns, stating, "The presence of such a high amount of oxygen in a pressurized environment can make it extremely combustible." He confirmed the explosion was contained to the chamber, and fortunately, the fire did not spread extensively through the medical center.
Following the incident, The Oxford Center issued statements ensuring their commitment to safety and cooperation with investigations. They expressed their condolences: "This is an exceptionally difficult day for all of us. [...] Nothing like this has happened in our more than 15 years of providing this type of therapy." The center has temporarily closed for operations pending the outcome of the investigation.
Investigators, including the Troy Fire Department, are examining the circumstances surrounding this catastrophic failure, which Lt. Young deemed "very uncommon" and one he had never encountered throughout his decade with the department. Local authorities have stated they will work closely with state investigators to analyze all aspects, including the safety measures currently employed at facilities providing hyperbaric therapy.
Hyperbaric therapy works by increasing the amount of oxygen delivered to the body through the use of pure oxygen within a chamber under higher than normal atmospheric pressure. While this can provide significant medical benefits, it also poses unique risks. The Mayo Clinic has noted the potential hazards of such environments, emphasizing the need for strict safety regulations to mitigate risks, including fire hazards.
Meantime, the memory of Thomas Cooper continues to inspire heartfelt tributes and support from family and friends who highlight his adventurous spirit and love for life. The GoFundMe page captures this poignantly, stating, "He was the smartest and cutest kid... He loved nature, video games, and had been planning to spend his red pocket money with his little brother on the day of the accident."
While the investigation continues, the tragic passing of Thomas Cooper serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers present within medical mechanisms like hyperbaric chambers. The community mourns the loss of this bright, young life, contemplating the failures and safety measures needed to prevent such occurrences from happening again. Thomas’s family navigates through their grief with the support of the community, and his memory lives on as others learn more about the precautions necessary to safeguard children receiving medical treatments.