Warning: The following story contains details of a tragic incident involving a child’s death in a hyperbaric chamber, which may be distressing to some readers.
At The Oxford Center in Troy, Michigan, a tragic event occurred on the 31st of January when five-year-old Thomas Cooper sadly lost his life. The youngster was undergoing oxygen therapy in a hyperbaric chamber when the facility had a fire break out, engulfing everything, the boy included. This was just after the facility opened at 8 am, shocking an entire community into mourning.
Mother’s Desperate Attempt to Save Her Son From The Hyperbaric Chamber
Thomas’ mother, Annie Cooper desperately tried to save her son from the hyperbaric chamber which was engulfed in flames. Witnesses could only stand back and watch the mother make a heart-wrenching attempt at fighting the flames to get her son free. Despite her trying her absolute best to save him, Thomas was unfortunately gone.
Physical and Emotional Toll on Annie Cooper
James Harrison, the family’s attorney brought up how the immensely tragic incident has affected his emotional client, Annie. “She has significant burns on her arm, and that was done during a rescue attempt to try to get her child out of the burning flames.” Harrington explained. “She was trying and trying to get him out and was unsuccessful. She does have visible burns, but the real problem for her is going to be the emotional trauma.”
A Mother’s Heartfelt Words
The family has set up a GoFundMe page in the wake of the hyperbaric chamber tragedy, sharing touching words on Thomas, his short life and how he radiated love and had many passions. The boy was described as being intelligent, curious, and playful, cherishing every moment with his family.
The post read: “He was the smartest and cutest kid that liked to zoom, zoom, zoom. He asked to see pictures of germs, liked to know how things worked and made field journals. His favorite thing to do was ‘super sonic mode.’ Run as fast as humanly possible.”
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Cherished Memories of Thomas
The description which can only be described as heartfelt painted a picture of a child who experienced joy in his life, loving simple pleasures. “He had nature school last year and ran, jumped, and rolled down hills. He loved mud. Loved to stomp on ice. Loved his mama and daddy so much. Minecraft was his life. He loved Mario and loved to dress as Mario while his brother dressed as Luigi. They were the best of friends.”
Closure of The Oxford Center
The Oxford Center has temporarily closed down its facility in Troy following the tragedy. Offering many therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen treatment, the center expressed its deepest condolences, offering whatever investigators may need to solve the case.
In a statement released on the day of the incident, the center shared: “This is an exceptionally difficult day for all of us. A fire started inside of a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. The child being treated in that chamber did not survive, and the child’s mother was injured. The safety and wellbeing of the children we serve is our highest priority.”
Unanswered Questions About the Incident in the Hyperbaric Chamber
In the 15 years of operation, the Oxford Center maintains that something of this nature has never occurred before. “We do not know why or how this happened and will participate in all of the investigations that now need to take place,” the statement concluded. Authorities are hard on the case, seeking a reason the fire started in the first place. They are trying their utmost to find answers for the rare and tragic circumstances behind the hyperbaric chamber explosion.
A Community Mourns Together
The community of Royal Oak and Troy has rallied together in aid of the Cooper family, offering their aid where they can. The GoFundMe account is currently suspended but reflects Annie’s grief of losing her beloved son. The memories shared about Thomas speak volumes about how deeply he was loved. A mother’s immense bravery to save her son, heartbreak following, a community is left in shock and utter disbelief.
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