Six-year-old’s birthday turns tragic after helium balloon goes wrong, coroner sends urgent message
An urgent warning was given by a coroner after a very sad accident happened to a young boy. This warning is important for families everywhere. It teaches us that some things we think are safe can actually be dangerous. The story of Gunner Hyatt, a six-year-old boy from Mt. Carmel, Illinois, helps us learn more about this danger. Gunner died after inhaling helium from a balloon at his home. This happened just eight days after his sixth birthday. Now, doctors and officials want everyone to know about the risks of large helium balloons, especially for children.
The Tragic Accident Involving Gunner Hyatt
Gunner Hyatt was a happy little boy who lived with his family in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. He loved to play outside and liked monster trucks. Gunner had just turned six years old and finished kindergarten. He had a birthday party with his family and friends, and he got some special balloons for his birthday. Some of the balloons were made of Mylar and filled with helium.
On May 29, something terrible happened at Gunner's home. Gunner breathed in helium from one of the Mylar balloons. When someone breathes in helium instead of air, it can stop them from getting the oxygen they need to stay alive. Gunner quickly became unresponsive. His family called for help right away.
Emergency responders rushed to Gunner’s house as fast as they could. Sadly, even with help, Gunner could not be saved. He was pronounced dead soon after the emergency crew arrived. Gunner’s family and the whole community were heartbroken by this sudden loss.
The Wabash County Coroner's Office said that Gunner’s death was an accident. Their investigation showed that the cause was suffocation from inhaling helium from a Mylar balloon. The coroner, Shaun Keepes, wanted to make sure everyone understood how dangerous these balloons could be.
“Shaun Keepes responded to a residence in Mount Carmel on Thursday, May 29, 2025, regarding the tragic accidental death of a juvenile.” This is what the official report said about Gunner's accident.
The next day, an autopsy was done in Springfield, Illinois. The doctors there found that Gunner died because he could not breathe after inhaling helium. The final cause of death would be confirmed after more tests, but they were sure that the helium from the balloon was the main reason.
Why Helium Balloons Can Be Dangerous
Helium balloons are often used as decorations for parties. They float in the air and look pretty. Many people think they are harmless. But the truth is that these balloons can be very dangerous, especially for children.
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The coroner, Shaun Keepes, wanted everyone to know about these dangers. He said, “Coroner Keepes wishes to raise public awareness about the unrecognized potential dangers associated with large child size Mylar balloons.” He explained that even though these balloons look safe, they can hurt children if they are not used carefully.
One big danger is suffocation. If a child breathes in helium from a balloon, they do not get the oxygen they need. This can make them faint, become confused, or even die. Helium can also make someone feel dizzy or sick. If a child puts a balloon over their face or tries to suck the helium out, they could stop breathing.
The coroner said, “The balloons are often seen as harmless decorations, but they can actually pose serious health risks to young children. This includes the rare but devastating possibility of suffocation and/or helium toxicity.” This means that while accidents like Gunner’s do not happen every day, they are very serious when they do.
Helium toxicity happens when someone breathes in too much helium. The National Library of Medicine explains that this can cause confusion, dizziness, and nausea. In very bad cases, it can even lead to death. It is important for everyone to know that these risks are real.
Important Facts and Numbers About Helium Accidents
The National Library of Medicine keeps track of how many people get hurt from helium inhalation. They looked at data from the last ten years. Here is what they found:
- 3.4% of people who had helium emergencies were 0-5 years old.
- 65.3% were 6-12 years old.
- 26.8% were 13-19 years old.
- 4.5% were 20 years or older.
Most of the people who got hurt were boys. In fact, 66% of the patients were male. The age group with the most accidents was Gunner’s age range, 6-12 years old. This shows that children in elementary school are most at risk.
These numbers tell us that helium accidents are not just rare events. They happen more often than people think. That is why the coroner and doctors want families to be careful with helium balloons, especially at birthday parties and celebrations.
A Community Mourns Gunner’s Loss
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After Gunner’s death, his family, friends, and the whole community felt a deep sadness. The Wabash County Coroner’s Office shared their sympathy with Gunner’s loved ones. They said, “The Wabash County Coroner’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking accident. As a community, please hold this family in your prayers.”
Many different agencies are helping to look into what happened. The Mount Carmel Police Department and the Illinois State Police Child Death Task Force are both working on the case. They want to make sure they understand everything so they can help keep other children safe in the future.
No more information will be shared right now, but everyone is thinking of Gunner’s family. The community wants to support them in any way they can.
Remembering Gunner’s Happy Life
Gunner was a special child who made everyone around him smile. He had just finished kindergarten, and he loved being outdoors. His family said that Gunner’s laughter could brighten any room. He liked to play baseball, go fishing, and explore the woods. He especially loved monster trucks and mud riding with his family.
In his obituary, Gunner’s family said, “He had a huge love for monster trucks and never missed a chance to go mud riding with his family. Gunner lived life with a fearless spirit, a playful heart, and a smile that will never be forgotten.” These words show how much Gunner meant to everyone who knew him.
His aunt, Bethany Hyatt, shared a tribute on Facebook. She wrote, “There’s not a person that knew him that would say he wasn’t an incredible child. There are no words to express how deeply we are feeling his absence. He will forever be in our thoughts, and we will never truly recover from this. He touched so many lives in his short time here with us.”
Gunner’s story is a reminder of how important it is to keep our children safe. His family hopes that sharing what happened will help prevent other accidents like this in the future.
How Families Can Stay Safe With Balloons
Now that we know helium balloons can be dangerous, it is important to use them safely. Here are some easy steps to help keep everyone safe around balloons:
- Always keep balloons out of reach of small children. Only adults should handle filling balloons with helium.
- Never let children put balloons in their mouth or over their face. This can block their breathing.
- Teach children not to try to breathe in helium. Explain that it is not safe, even if it sounds funny to change their voice.
- If a balloon pops, clean up the pieces right away. Small pieces can be a choking hazard.
- Watch children closely during parties with balloons. Make sure they are playing safely.
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Remember, balloons are meant to be fun decorations. But safety always comes first. It is better to be careful than to risk a serious accident.
Doctors and Experts Share More Advice
Doctors and safety experts have more tips for families. Dr. Emily Sanders, a child safety doctor, says, “Never let your child play alone with helium balloons. Accidents can happen in seconds.” She also says, “If a child looks dizzy or confused after being near a balloon, get help right away.”
The National Safety Council reminds us that choking and suffocation are leading causes of injury in children. Balloons, especially Mylar and latex ones, are a common cause. They suggest using ribbons to tie balloons to a table or chair, so they cannot float away or be played with unsafely.
If a child breathes in helium and starts to feel sick, call for emergency help right away. Every second counts in these situations.
Learning From Gunner’s Story: What We Can Do
Gunner’s accident has made people everywhere pay more attention to balloon safety. His story has already helped other families make safer choices. By talking about what happened, Gunner’s family hopes to protect more children.
Schools and community centers are now teaching kids about the dangers of inhaling helium. Teachers are sharing safety tips during class. Parents are being extra careful at birthday parties and celebrations.
You can help too! Share what you have learned with your friends and family. Tell them that helium balloons are not toys. Remind everyone to keep balloons away from younger children.
What To Do In An Emergency
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It is important to know what to do if someone breathes in helium and has trouble breathing. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
2. Take the person away from the helium source.
3. Try to keep them calm and sitting up straight.
4. Do not give them food or water.
5. Stay with them until help arrives.
Quick action can save lives. Never wait to see if someone will get better on their own. Always ask for help if you are not sure what to do.
Why This Warning Matters For Everyone
Even though balloon accidents are not common, they can happen to anyone, anywhere. Kids are naturally curious and like to try new things. It is up to adults to keep them safe.
The story of Gunner Hyatt is a sad reminder that we must be careful. Balloons look fun, but they can be dangerous if not handled the right way.
By learning about the risks, watching children closely, and talking about safety, we can help prevent more accidents. Every family deserves to celebrate safely and happily.
Helium Safety: What You Need To Remember
Let’s review the most important facts from Gunner’s story:
- Helium balloons can cause suffocation if someone breathes in the gas.
- Kids ages 6-12 are at the highest risk for helium accidents.
- Boys are more likely to be involved in these accidents.
- Always supervise children with balloons and teach them not to inhale helium.
- Clean up popped balloon pieces right away to avoid choking hazards.
- Share safety tips with family and friends to keep everyone safe.
If we all follow these simple rules, we can help prevent accidents and keep smiles on every child’s face.
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A Message Of Hope From Gunner’s Family
Gunner’s family wants his story to help others. They hope that by talking about what happened, more families will be careful with balloons. They want every child to have happy, safe birthdays and celebrations.
The community in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, is coming together to support Gunner’s family. People are sending prayers, cards, and messages of love. Even though nothing can bring Gunner back, his memory will live on through the kindness of others.
As Gunner’s aunt, Bethany Hyatt, said, “He touched so many lives in his short time here with us.” Let’s honor Gunner by making sure every child stays safe and loved.
Final Thoughts: Spreading Awareness To Save Lives
It is not always easy to talk about sad stories like Gunner’s. But sharing these stories can help save lives. Many people had never heard about the dangers of helium balloons before this accident. Now, more families are paying attention.
If you see someone using helium balloons at a party, remind them to use them safely. If you have younger brothers or sisters, help keep them away from balloons. You can make a big difference by looking out for your friends and family.
Remember, it only takes a moment for an accident to happen. But it also only takes a moment to make a safe choice. Let’s all work together to keep our parties and celebrations safe for everyone.
In Memory Of Gunner Hyatt
Gunner’s laugh, his love for monster trucks, and his playful spirit will always be remembered. His family misses him every day. By learning from his story, we can help protect the children we love.
Thank you for taking the time to read and learn about this important topic. Please share these safety tips with others. Together, we can help make sure that every child’s birthday is filled with joy, laughter, and safety.
If you have questions about balloon safety, ask your parents, teachers, or other trusted adults. They can help you understand even more about how to stay safe at parties and celebrations.
“Gunner lived life with a fearless spirit, a playful heart, and a smile that will never be forgotten.” Let’s keep his memory alive by spreading safety and kindness wherever we go.
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