Latest news with #Foxcroft
Mint
13-07-2025
- Health
- Mint
Tragic flash fire kills Arizona physical therapist in hyperbaric chamber, here's what went on
A physical therapist was killed when a sudden fire erupted inside a hyperbaric chamber at his Arizona wellness center. Emergency crews rushed to Walter Foxcroft's clinic in Lake Havasu City late Wednesday night after a 911 call reported a burn victim inside the pressurized oxygen pod, according to an NBC report. Firefighters found heavy smoke and a 43-year-old Foxcroft dead inside the sealed chamber. Authorities confirm the flash fire is under investigation but released no details about what sparked the blaze. Foxcroft had opened Havasu Health and Hyperbarics just last year, offering cutting-edge treatments for healing and recovery. Hyperbaric chambers pump pure oxygen at high pressure to treat wounds, infections, or carbon monoxide poisoning. But the same oxygen that heals can turn deadly if ignited. "You need heat, oxygen, and fuel for fire, and hyperbaric chambers have lots of oxygen," explained Kaleb Christopherson, a safety director at another Arizona clinic. Patients must avoid lotions, perfumes, or electronics that could spark flames. Experts urge people to only use facilities accredited by groups like the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, which enforces strict fire codes. Foxcroft himself had completed safety training, yet the tragedy still occurred late Wednesday night. Friends and patients remember "Wally" Foxcroft as a passionate caregiver who boosted spirits on and off the job. Before becoming a physical therapist, he thrilled crowds as the University of Arizona's mascot, "Wilbur T. Wildcat," famous for his moonwalk. He later performed as the Arizona Cardinals' "Big Red" at the 2006 Super Bowl. Colleagues say Foxcroft was thorough, kind, and dedicated to innovative healing. His clinic temporarily closed after the accident, leaving the tight-knit Lake Havasu City grieving a man who "brought joy to everyone," according to his university cheer squad.
Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Physical therapist in US dies inside hyperbaric chamber after it catches fire
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Dr Walter Foxcroft was found dead on July 9 inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber at his health clinic. LAKE HAVASU CITY, Arizona - A 43-year-old physical therapist was found dead on July 9 inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber at his health clinic in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, after the device caught on fire, according to officials. The Lake Havasu City Fire Department said in a statement on July 10 that fire and police personnel were dispatched to Havasu Health and Hyperbarics on July 9 at 10.50pm local time after receiving a 911 call about a burn victim. When they arrived, they found the building was filled with smoke and an intact hyperbaric chamber appeared to have had a flash fire while a person was inside. The man was pronounced dead at the scene and identified as Dr Walter Foxcroft. He was the owner of the clinic, according to a LinkedIn page in his name. No one else was injured. The Lake Havasu City Fire and Police departments said on July 11 that they were still investigating the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding Dr Foxcroft's death. It was not clear why Dr Foxcroft was in the chamber. The clinic did not immediately respond to a request for comment on July 11. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia Air India crash report shows pilot confusion over engine switch movement Business F&B operators face tougher business landscape amid rising costs and stiff competition Business What's in store for policyholders after GE removes pre-authorisation letters for two private hospitals Multimedia Which floor is this? Chongqing's maze-like environment powers its rise as a megacity Business 4 conditions that allow seniors with dementia to sign wills Asia 'Woven air': Ancient fabric spun across history makes comeback amid lies and climate change World 500 tourists evacuated from Grand Canyon wildfires Sport 'A step forward' for golfer Shannon Tan, who makes cut at Evian Championship He is at least the second person to die in 2024 after a fire broke out in a hyperbaric chamber. In February, an oxygen-rich hyperbaric chamber at a medical facility in Michigan exploded and killed a 5-year-old boy, who had been receiving medical treatment. The owner of the medical centre and two employees were later charged with murder and accused of ignoring safety standards, and one worker was charged with manslaughter. Hyperbaric oxygen chambers are pressurised tubes in which patients receive pure oxygen, according to the Mayo Clinic. Patients lie inside and have either a mask or a clear hood placed over their heads. There is a significant risk of fire in and around the chambers because they are an oxygen-rich environment, and it is also not always possible to quickly get out of a chamber when a fire sparks. 'Due to the enclosed and pressurised nature of the chamber, it is impossible to quickly open the door when the chamber is pressurised,' according to the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Centre. The goal of the treatments is to speed up the healing of damaged or infected tissue that is 'starved for oxygen,' and a prescription from a health care provider is required to receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. It is most commonly used to treat serious trauma, such as crushing injuries that block blood flow, carbon dioxide poisoning, decompression sickness or to save limbs that are fighting infection. But on its website, the Arizona clinic appears to advertise hyperbaric oxygen therapy for a variety of treatments that are not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration, including anti-ageing and autism treatments. 'There currently isn't enough research and testing to conclude that hyperbaric oxygen therapy safely and effectively treats these conditions,' according to the Cleveland Clinic. Dr Foxcroft, a Lake Havasu City resident, held a doctorate in physical therapy from Touro University Nevada and a bachelor's degree in physiological science from the University of Arizona, where he was also a mascot, according to the LinkedIn page. Havasu News, a local news site, reported that the clinic had a sign taped to the front door the morning after Dr Foxcroft died saying it was closed until further notice. Several bouquets of flowers and a note had been left at the door. NYTIMES
Scottish Sun
11-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Therapist, 43, burns alive trapped in oxygen tank that turned into fiery coffin after flash fire erupted at his practice
DEADLY BLAZE Therapist, 43, burns alive trapped in oxygen tank that turned into fiery coffin after flash fire erupted at his practice Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A PHYSICAL therapist has been found dead after getting burned alive inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber at his own practice. Dr Walter Foxcroft, 43, was killed when a flash fire ignited in the therapy machine - transforming it into a blazing coffin. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 A physical therapist died inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber 2 Dr Walter Foxcroft, 43, was killed when a flash fire ignited in the therapy machine The physical therapist's remains were discovered by firefighters who scrambled to his practice, Havasu Health and Hyperbarics, after receiving a report of a blaze there at around 11pm on Wednesday. Upon arrival, emergency services witnessed thick smoke billowing through the building. They soon came across the tragic scene, with the hyperbaric chamber on fire with Dr Foxcroft inside, officials said. His charred remains were recovered from the oxygen machine, and he was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. read more news 'MURDER' PROBE Paddleboarder found dead after vanishing as hunt for 'killer' launched No other injuries were reported, the fire department added. Hyperbaric chambers are sealed enclosures where air pressure and oxygen levels inside are controlled. They're often used for patients' physical and mental health. The machines are thought to help with anything between cognition and dementia to physical ageing, Havasu Health and Hyperbarics's website says. It remains unclear why Dr Foxcroft was inside the chamber on Wednesday night. He was a 2005 University of Arizona graduate, with his old classmates paying tribute to the doctor following the tragedy. Dr Foxcroft was the university's mascot for three years - Wilbur T. Wildcat - the Arizona Cheerleaders and Macots said. The group wrote on Instagram: "Wally was an unforgettable presence on the sidelines—an energetic, charismatic performer known for his signature moonwalk and passion for bringing joy to Arizona fans. "He proudly returned for Homecoming, reconnecting with current mascots and sharing his spontaneous spirit as Wilbur with all of us. "Wally's dedication to uplifting others—through performance, healing, and innovation—will never be forgotten. "Thank you, Wilbur, for the spirit, the showmanship, and the legacy you leave behind." More to follow... For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos. Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun
The Irish Sun
11-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Therapist, 43, burns alive trapped in oxygen tank that turned into fiery coffin after flash fire erupted at his practice
A PHYSICAL therapist has been found dead after getting burned alive inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber at his own practice. Dr Walter Foxcroft, 43, was killed when a flash fire ignited in the therapy machine - transforming it into a blazing coffin. Advertisement 2 A physical therapist died inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber 2 Dr Walter Foxcroft, 43, was killed when a flash fire ignited in the therapy machine The physical therapist's remains were discovered by firefighters who scrambled to his practice, Havasu Health and Hyperbarics, after receiving a report of a blaze there at around 11pm on Wednesday. Upon arrival, emergency services witnessed thick smoke billowing through the building. They soon came across the tragic scene, with the hyperbaric chamber on fire with Dr Foxcroft inside, officials said. His charred remains were recovered from the oxygen machine, and he was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement read more news No other injuries were reported, the fire department added. Hyperbaric chambers are sealed enclosures where air pressure and oxygen levels inside are controlled. They're often used for patients' physical and mental health. The machines are thought to help with anything between cognition and dementia to physical ageing, Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Exclusive Breaking It remains unclear why Dr Foxcroft was inside the chamber on Wednesday night. He was a 2005 University of Arizona graduate, with his old classmates paying tribute to the doctor following the tragedy. Dr Foxcroft was the university's mascot for three years - Wilbur T. Wildcat - the Arizona Cheerleaders and Macots said. The group wrote on Instagram: "Wally was an unforgettable presence on the sidelines—an energetic, charismatic performer known for his signature moonwalk and passion for bringing joy to Arizona fans. Advertisement "He proudly returned for Homecoming, reconnecting with current mascots and sharing his spontaneous spirit as Wilbur with all of us. "Wally's dedication to uplifting others—through performance, healing, and innovation—will never be forgotten. "Thank you, Wilbur, for the spirit, the showmanship, and the legacy you leave behind." More to follow... For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos . Advertisement Like us on Facebook at
New York Post
11-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Physical therapist burned alive inside hyperbaric oxygen chamber at his own practice
A physical therapist was burned alive inside a hyperbaric chamber at his Arizona practice when a flash fire ignited in the oxygen therapy machine Wednesday, turning it into a literal deathtrap. Dr. Walter Foxcroft, 43, was found dead inside the chamber by firefighters who rushed to his office, Havasu Health and Hyperbarics, after receiving a report of a fire there around 11 p.m., the Lake Havasu City Fire Department said. 3 Dr. Walter Foxcroft, 43, was found dead inside a hyperbaric chamber at his practice after it went up in flames Wednesday night. Advertisement When the first responders arrived, smoke was already billowing through the building. They scanned the building and came across the grisly scene in which the hyperbaric chamber was turned into a fiery coffin with Foxcroft's scorched body trapped inside, according to officials. His corpse was recovered from the chamber and he was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported, according to the fire department. Hyperbaric chambers, sealed enclosures where air pressure and oxygen levels inside can be controlled, are used for patients' physical and mental health — aiding with anything from cognition and dementia to physical aging, according to the Havasu Health and Hyperbarics website. Advertisement 3 Foxcroft opened the practice in 2024. Walter Foxcroft /LinkedIn It is unclear why the doctor was inside the chamber late at night. Foxcroft, a 2005 University of Arizona graduate, was remembered by his classmates following his horrific death. Advertisement He had served as the university's mascot, Wilbur T. Wildcat, for three years, according to the Arizona Cheerleaders & Mascots. 'Wally was an unforgettable presence on the sidelines—an energetic, charismatic performer known for his signature moonwalk and passion for bringing joy to Arizona fans. He proudly returned for Homecoming, reconnecting with current mascots and sharing his spontaneous spirit as Wilbur with all of us,' the group wrote on Instagram. 3 Foxcroft served as the University of Arizona mascot during his undergraduate career and later worked as Big Red for the Arizona Cardinals. arizonacheerleading/Instagram 'Wally's dedication to uplifting others—through performance, healing, and innovation—will never be forgotten. Thank you, Wilbur, for the spirit, the showmanship, and the legacy you leave behind.' Advertisement After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Physiological Sciences, Foxcroft deviated from his studies and stuck to the mascot life — becoming Big Red for the Arizona Cardinals. He followed the team all the way to Super Bowl XLIII in 2006 before hanging up his helmet and pivoting back to school, according to his biography on his practice's website. Foxcroft earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Touro University Nevada in 2012, according to his LinkedIn. He had just founded Havasu Health and Hyperbarics in 2024, which is also the Grand Canyon State's first-ever integrative naturopathic hyperbaric oxygen therapy center, according to The practice will be closed until further notice while authorities investigate the devastating fire. The exact cause of the blaze is still under investigation. A similar freak accident occurred at the beginning of the year when a 5-year-old boy receiving treatment in a hyperbaric chamber was incinerated after a fiery explosion inside the machine. Four staffers at the Michigan clinic were later hit with a mix of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter charges.
