LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A tragic accident claimed the life of a 6-year-old boy from Illinois after he suffocated on a helium-filled balloon.
The Wabash County Coroner responded to a home in Mount Carmel, Illinois, near the Indiana border, on May 29 following the report of an accidental death. Preliminary findings indicate the boy, identified by his family as Gunner Hyatt, died from suffocation caused by a Mylar helium-filled balloon. Final determination of the cause of death awaits further testing.
Authorities emphasized the dangers posed by large child-size balloons and hope the incident will raise public awareness about their risks.
The investigation is ongoing, with Mount Carmel Police and the Illinois State Police Child Death Task Force actively involved.
