A simple birthday balloon turned deadly for six-year-old Gunner Hyatt, whose sudden death after inhaling helium has prompted a grave public warning from coroner Shaun Keepes. The boy, who had celebrated his sixth birthday just days before, was playing at his family’s home in Mount Carmel, Illinois, on May 29 when he collapsed. Preliminary findings from the Wabash County Coroner’s Office, shared in a statement to People, indicate his death was “consistent with suffocation due to a Mylar-helium filled balloon,” with final toxicology tests still pending.
Keepes, speaking to local news, emphasized that these balloons “may look harmless,” yet they pose a “rare but devastating possibility of suffocation and/or helium toxicity.” He urged parents to recognize the hidden dangers of letting young children handle oversized, helium-filled balloons unsupervised.
“My heart breaks for Gunner’s family. These balloons are silent killers in the corner of a room.” — Wabash County Coroner Shaun Keepes #HeliumHazard— 19News (@19News) June 7, 2025
Family members say Gunner was a “joyful and adventurous” child who loved baseball, fishing, and mud riding. His aunt, Bethany Hyatt, shared on Facebook that “he would light up any room he entered,” as reported by Yahoo News. After collapsing, Gunner was rushed to the local hospital but could not be saved.
Social media lit up with grief and shock as users shared Gunner’s story. Thousands have reposted his aunt’s tribute alongside calls for safer balloon practices. One viral TikTok by @SafetyMomma showed how quickly a lightweight Mylar balloon can seal a child’s airway, earning over 4 million views.
Parents, please watch this. I learned the hard way that helium balloons aren’t for kids to play with alone. #BalloonSafety— SafetyMomma (@SafetyMomma) June 7, 2025
Helium inhalation can displace oxygen in the lungs, leading to hypoxia and suffocation within seconds, according to experts at the CDC’s Asphyxia Prevention page. In rare cases, excessive helium can even cause embolisms as gas enters the bloodstream.
“Inhaling helium can kill faster than you think. It’s not a harmless party trick.” — Dr. Carla Nguyen, pulmonary specialist #CDCWarning— CNN Health (@CNNHealth) June 7, 2025
Gunner’s tragic death recalls previous incidents, such as the 2023 Tennessee case where a seven-year-old girl died after playing with a balloon, prompting nationwide safety advisories. The Mayo Clinic warns that children’s curiosity and delicate airways make them especially vulnerable to inert gas hazards.
In response to the Mount Carmel tragedy, local schools have begun sending safety pamphlets home with students. Mount Carmel Elementary, where Gunner attended kindergarten, posted a notice on its website urging families to “keep balloons firmly tethered and out of young children’s reach.”
Our hearts go out to Gunner’s classmates and teachers at Mt. Carmel Elementary. Please secure any helium decorations. #MtCarmelStrong— Mt. Carmel Elementary (@MCEagles) June 7, 2025
Consumer safety advocates are urging balloon retailers to include warning labels, and some state legislators are considering bills to mandate such labels on helium tanks and Mylar products. A petition on Change.org has gathered over 150,000 signatures calling for federal regulation.
Beyond suffocation, coroner Keepes also highlighted the risk of helium toxicity, which can cause sudden loss of consciousness and damage to the central nervous system if inhaled in high concentrations. “We often think of carbon monoxide or drowning,” he said, “but these silent gases can be just as lethal.”
Online memorials for Gunner feature photos of his bright smile and favorite baseball cap. A GoFundMe for the Hyatt family has raised over $75,000 in two days to cover funeral expenses and provide support for his grieving siblings, Granger and Myah, as noted by People’s GoFundMe report.
“He laughed like no one else. Let’s honor him by keeping our kids safe.” #GunnerStrong— GoFundMe (@gofundme) June 7, 2025
Experts advise that if a child shows any sign of distress after interacting with a balloon—changes in breathing, dizziness, or confusion—emergency services should be called immediately. The American Red Cross highlights first-aid steps for asphyxia, emphasizing airway clearance and prompt CPR if necessary.
As Wabash County continues its investigation, the coroner’s office plans community outreach to educate families about less obvious household dangers. “Our hope is that no other family endures this heartbreak,” Keepes said. “Knowledge is the best defense.”
Gunner Hyatt’s story serves as a painful reminder: beneath the innocent fun of helium balloons can lurk a hidden peril. Parents, caregivers, and party planners are urged to rethink decorations and prioritize safety over aesthetics—because in a single moment, a joyful celebration can turn into unimaginable tragedy.
