Britt Jones
An urgent warning has been given by the coroner of a six-year-old boy who died after inhaling helium out of a balloon just says after his birthday.
Gunner Hyatt, a little boy from Mt. Carmel, Illinois was pronounced dead shortly after emergency responders arrived at his home on May 29, eight days after his sixth birthday.
According to family and officials, Gunner had inhaled helium from a Mylar balloon, with officers from Wabash County Coroner’s Office confirming that Gunner could not have been saved.
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It all began when the boy breathed in the gas, leading him to likely suffocate to death.
On June 4, Wabash County Coroner Office stated: "Shaun Keepes responded to a residence in Mount Carmel on Thursday, May 29, 2025, regarding the tragic accidental death of a juvenile.
"An autopsy was conducted in Springfield, Illinois, on Friday, May 30, 2025. Preliminary findings indicate that the cause of death is consistent with suffocation due to a Mylar-helium filled balloon. Additional testing and toxicology, are pending to determine the final cause of death.”
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As a result, a coroner has warned the public about the ‘unrecognized’ dangers of the large balloons.
The statement continued: "Coroner Keepes wishes to raise public awareness about the unrecognized potential dangers associated with large child size Mylar balloons.”
He shared that while the balloons are ‘often seen as harmless decorations’, the balloons can actually pose serious health risks young children.
This includes ‘the rare but devastating possibility of suffocation and/or helium toxicity’.
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Helium toxicity can cause confusion, dizziness, nausea and even death.
According to the National Library of Medicine, the age of those who admitted to hospital because of helium inhalation emergencies, were (3.4%) 0-5 years, (65.3%) 6-12 years, (26.8%) 13-19 years, and (4.5%) 20 years or older in the last decade.
66 per cent of the patients seen during the data collection period were male, and Gunner’s age range saw the highest casualties.
Following Gunner’s death, the Office extended its sympathies to the grieving family during this time and urging the community to pull together, stating: "The Wabash County Coroner’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking accident.
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“As a community, please hold this family in your prayers. Agencies involved in the ongoing investigation include the Mount Carmel Police Department and the Illinois State Police Child Death Task Force. No other information will be released at this time."
Gunner had just completed Kindergarten and has been remembered as a cheerful child whose ‘laughter brightened every room. He was the happiest outdoors-whether he was playing baseball, fishing by the water or exploring the woods hunting’.
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“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," shared to his obituary.
Bethany Hyatt, Gunner’s aunt shared a tribute on Facebook: “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.”