The coroner has issued an urgent warning in the case of a six-year-old child who died after inhaling helium from a balloon shortly after his birthday.
Gunner Hyatt, a little child from Mt. Carmel, Illinois, was declared dead immediately after emergency services arrived at his home on May 29, eight days after his sixth birthday.
According to relatives and officials, Gunner swallowed helium from a Mylar balloon, and investigators from the Wabash County Coroner’s Office confirmed that he could not have been rescued.
It all started when the youngster inhaled the gas, which likely caused him to choke to death.
On June 4, the Wabash County Coroner’s 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 performed in Springfield, Illinois, on Friday, May 30, 2025. Preliminary investigations suggest that the cause of death was asphyxia from a Mylar-helium-filled balloon. Additional tests and toxicology are being conducted to identify the final cause of death.
As a result, a coroner has issued a warning to the public about the ‘unrecognized’ risks of the huge balloons.
The press release went on: “Coroner Keepes wishes to raise public awareness about the unrecognized potential dangers associated with large child size Mylar balloons.”
He explained that, while balloons are ‘typically perceived as innocent decorations’, they can represent major health concerns to youngsters.
This includes ‘the uncommon but terrible danger of asphyxia and/or helium poisoning’.
Helium intoxication can result in disorientation, dizziness, nausea, and death.
According to the National Library of Medicine, the age distribution of patients admitted to the hospital due to helium inhalation emergency was (3.4%) 0-5 years, (65.3%) 6-12 years, (26.8%) 13-19 years, and (4.5%) 20 years or older in the recent decade.
66 percent of the patients seen throughout the data collection period were male, with Gunner’s age group having the most casualties.
Following Gunner’s death, the Wabash County Coroner’s Office expressed its sympathy to the bereaved family and urged the community to come together, stating: “The Wabash County Coroner’s Office sends its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones touched by this terrible accident.
“As a community, please keep this family in your prayers. The Mount Carmel Police Department and the Illinois State Police Child Death Task Force are among the agencies investigating the case. “No additional information will be released at this time.”
Gunner had recently finished Kindergarten and was remembered as a happy boy whose laughter lit every room. He was happiest when he was outside, whether playing baseball, fishing by the water, or hunting in the woods.
“He was a huge fan of monster trucks and never missed an opportunity to go mud riding with his family.” Gunner embraced life with a bold spirit, a lively heart, and an unforgettable smile,” according to his obituary.
Gunner’s aunt, Bethany Hyatt, posted a tribute on Facebook: “There wasn’t a single person who knew him who didn’t think he was a wonderful boy. There are no words to describe how strongly we feel his absence. He will always remain in our thoughts, and we will never fully recover from this. He made a difference in so many people’s lives during his brief stay with us.”