In a heartbreaking incident in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, Gunner Hyatt, a 6-year-old boy, tragically died after inhaling helium from a Mylar balloon just days after celebrating his sixth birthday. The Wabash County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Gunner likely suffocated after breathing in the inert gas on May 29, while playing at his home.
The Tragic Incident
According to Coroner Shaun Keepes, preliminary findings suggest that Gunner’s cause of death is consistent with suffocation caused by a Mylar balloon filled with helium. Keepes emphasized the hidden dangers associated with helium-filled Mylar balloons, especially for young children.
“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,” Keepes warned.
The Mt. Carmel Police Department is also investigating the incident, and additional testing, including toxicology reports, are pending to confirm the official cause of death.
Remembering Gunner Hyatt
Gunner, who had just completed Kindergarten at Mount Carmel Elementary School, was remembered as a happy and adventurous child who loved spending time outdoors. According to his obituary, Gunner’s laughter brightened every room, and he was particularly fond of monster trucks and mud riding with his family.
“He was the happiest outdoors—whether he was playing baseball, fishing by the water, or exploring the woods hunting,” his obituary continued. Gunner’s family described him as having a fearless spirit, a playful heart, and a smile that will never be forgotten.
Gunner was the youngest of three children and celebrated his birthday on May 21, just a week before the tragic incident. His aunt, Bethany Hyatt, expressed her grief on Facebook, describing Gunner as an “absolute joy” who left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
“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,” she wrote.
Similar Tragedy in Tennessee
Gunner’s tragic death is eerily similar to another incident in 2023, when a young girl in Tennessee, Alexandra Hope Kelly, also suffocated from inhaling helium from a Mylar balloon just days after celebrating her 7th birthday.
Her mother later warned other parents about the hazards of foil helium balloons, which can easily be overlooked as harmless fun but are actually extremely dangerous if inhaled.
The Call for Awareness
Both tragedies have sparked an important conversation about the hidden dangers of Mylar helium balloons, especially for children. Authorities are urging parents to be more aware of the risks associated with these balloons and to take caution when allowing children to play with them.