Overview
- Hyperbaric safety expert Francois Burman testified that a spark likely occurred when Thomas Cooper’s knee touched a conductive mattress, igniting the chamber.
- The child was not wearing a grounding strap, which Burman said would have reduced static buildup and could have prevented the fire.
- Prosecutors say the Oxford Center ignored NFPA and manufacturer guidance, and Burman said he did not observe a pre‑treatment safety check on the video, noting it could have occurred off camera.
- Former employee Tiffany Hosey told the court she was fired in 2024 after warning that operating without grounding straps was dangerous.
- CEO Tamela Peterson, operations director Gary Marken, safety director Jeffrey Mosteller, and chamber operator Aleta Harward Moffitt have pleaded not guilty, with the case set to resume in December.