A 6-year-old kid died last month in what the Wabash County coroner deemed a “tragic accidental death” involving a balloon.
On May 29, first responders were rushed to a residence in Mount Carmel, Illinois, where the kid, identified by his family as Gunner Hyatt, was pronounced dead.
The coroner’s office announced preliminary findings on Wednesday regarding Hyatt’s death, with a toxicology report still awaited.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the cause of death is consistent with suffocation due to a Mylar-helium filled balloon,” according to the office’s report.
Wabash County Coroner Shaun Keepes said he wants to raise public awareness of the dangers posed by enormous Mylar balloons, which are frequently the same size as toddlers.
“While often seen as harmless decorations, these balloons can pose serious risks — particularly to young children — including the rare but devastating possibility of suffocation and/or helium toxicity,” according to the government agency.
The youngster had just completed Kindergarten at Mount Carmel Elementary School, according to his obituary. He leaves behind his parents, two siblings, and everyone who cared about him.
A GoFundMe page has been created for Hyatt’s family, who describe him as “the craziest, most loving little boy.”
An investigation is ongoing.
Reference: 6-year-old Illinois boy dies tragically in rare balloon suffocation accident, coroner says