Wabash County juvenile dies from helium balloon suffocation

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The Wabash County Coroner’s Office is providing a warning to the public after a juvenile reportedly died from accidental suffocation due to a helium filled balloon.

According to a release from the coroner’s office, Coroner Shaun Keepes responded to a report of an accidental death of a juvenile in Mount Carmel on May 29. Authorities say preliminary findings indicate that the cause of death was consistent with suffocation due to a Mylar-helium filled balloon.

Family members have identified the juvenile as six-year-old Gunner Hyatt.

In the release, Coroner Keepes noted the potential dangers associated with large child size Mylar balloons.

“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,” said Keepes.

The Mount Carmel Police Department and the Illinois State Police Child Death Task Force are continuing the investigation.