Physical therapist dies after being burned alive inside own hyperbaric oxygen chamber
A healthcare worker was tragically killed in a freak accident last week, after becoming trapped in a flash fire that broke out inside an oxygen therapy machine.
Arizona physical therapist Dr Walter Foxcroft's body was discovered inside the hyperbaric chamber by firefighters on Wednesday 9 July, after the team responded to an emergency call.
The incident was reported by staff at the 43-year-old's self-owned medical facility, Navasu Health and Hyperbarics in Lake Havasu City. The 911 alert was made just before 11pm, a fire department message explained.
"The 911 caller's information added that the patient was inside a hyperbaric chamber when the burns occurred," the statement read.
Advert
"Due to 911 caller information, the response was upgraded to a commercial fire response to ensure adequate resources responded to provide medical care and mitigate the emergency."
The first to the scene recalled witnessing smoke billowing throughout the building.
Upon entering, they came across an 'an intact hyperbaric chamber that appeared to have had a flash fire in the chamber with one patient inside'.
These devices are sealed tubes that are pressurised with pure oxygen - a treatment used to assist with several different illnesses or wounds.
The individual trapped inside was quickly identified as Foxcroft - a graduate from both the University of Arizona and Touro University Nevada - who was pronounced dead at the scene.
He'd founded the physical therapy firm in 2024, with the centre offering a plethora of services, including personalised health consultations and biohacking treatments.
"Five engine companies, one medic unit, and a Battalion Chief responded to the incident," the fire department confirmed.
"The occupancy was ventilated and checked for any other flammable hazards, and the incident was turned over to police detectives and fire investigators."
Investigating officers have not yet determined why the medic was inside one of the chambers, or what caused the flash fire. The official inquiry is still ongoing.
Foxcroft's devastating passing marks the second of its kind this year alone. Back in January, a five-year-old boy receiving treatment in a similar hyperbaric chamber lost his life in an explosion that occurred at a Michigan clinic.
Thomas Cooper died at The Oxford Medical Center in Troy, with emergency responders finding his body inside the vessel.
Four members of the facility's staff were charged with a combination of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter charges.
Rhianna Benson