- Dr. Walter Foxcroft, 43, died in a flash fire inside a hyperbaric chamber at his clinic on Wednesday night.
- The incident occurred just before 11 p.m. at Havasu Health and Hyperbarics in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
- Firefighters found his body inside the scorched oxygen therapy device; no other injuries occurred.
- Hyperbaric chambers use high oxygen levels, which increase fire risks, according to fire officials.
- The clinic, founded last year, specialized in integrative therapies and now remains closed during the probe.
Dr. Walter Foxcroft, a 43-year-old board-certified physical therapist, died Wednesday night after a flash fire erupted inside a hyperbaric chamber at his clinic in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Emergency crews responded to reports of a person trapped in the burning device around 10:50 p.m., arriving to find the building filled with smoke. Firefighters pronounced Foxcroft dead at the scene, according to the Lake Havasu City Fire Department.
The blaze involved the clinic’s oxygen therapy machine, where his scorched body was discovered. No other injuries were reported, and crews ventilated the facility before handing the case to investigators.
Understanding the Incident
A flash fire involves a rapid spread of flames when flammable gas, vapor, or dust ignites, creating a fast-moving blaze. In this case, the fire broke out inside the hyperbaric chamber, a sealed enclosure that controls barometric pressure by increasing air or oxygen levels.
These devices carry high flammability risks due to their elevated oxygen concentrations, which can accelerate combustion. The Lake Havasu City Fire Department noted that firefighters checked for additional hazards before securing the site. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by police and fire officials, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Background on Dr. Foxcroft
Foxcroft brought 27 years of experience to healthcare, holding certifications in hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), neurofeedback, photobiomodulation, and spine mobilization. HBOT treats conditions like decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, and non-healing wounds by delivering pure oxygen under pressure.
He earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Touro University Nevada in 2012 and a Bachelor of Science in Physiological Sciences from the University of Arizona in 2005, per his LinkedIn profile.
Before entering physical therapy, Foxcroft served as the University of Arizona mascot, Wilbur T. Wildcat, where he performed energetic routines including his signature moonwalk. Arizona Cheerleaders & Mascots remembered him in an Instagram post:
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. The group added: 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.
Foxcroft later worked as the mascot for the Arizona Cardinals, joining the team at Super Bowl XLIII in 2009. He founded Havasu Health and Hyperbarics last year as Arizona’s first integrative naturopathic HBOT center, according to KARK reports cited by the Daily Mail.
Clinic and Aftermath
The clinic, located near the Arizona-California border, focused on advanced therapies but will stay closed until further notice amid the investigation.
It is unclear why Foxcroft was inside the chamber late at night. He is survived by his wife, Tiffany, and their children. The Daily Mail provided details on the incident, Foxcroft’s career, and tributes from his university community.
