A 6-year-old Illinois boy died after inhaling helium from a large Mylar balloon at his home in Mount Carmel on May 29, just eight days after celebrating his sixth birthday, according to the Wabash County Coroner’s Office.
Gunner Matthew Hyatt likely suffocated after breathing in the inert gas from the balloon at his family’s residence, coroner Shaun Keepes determined following his investigation of the scene. Keepes responded to the home for what he described as an accidental death.
Preliminary autopsy findings indicated Gunner’s cause of death was consistent with suffocation due to the Mylar-helium filled balloon, although additional testing and toxicology results are pending to determine the official cause of death. The Mount Carmel Police Department and the Illinois State Police Child Death Task Force are investigating the incident.
Gunner was born on May 21, 2019, in Evansville, Indiana, and had just celebrated his sixth birthday eight days before his death. The youngster had recently completed kindergarten at Mount Carmel Elementary School in Illinois and was the youngest of three children, survived by his parents Steven and Kayla Hyatt, older brother Granger, and older sister Myah.
Family members remembered Hyatt as an adventurous child who loved outdoor activities, including baseball, fishing, and hunting. His aunt, Bethany Hyatt, described him on Facebook as an absolute joy and a thrilling child to be around, noting that everyone who knew him considered him an incredible boy. She indicated the family finds comfort in knowing he experienced only happiness during his six years of life.
The boy’s obituary described him as a joyful and fun-spirited child whose laughter brightened every room and whose heart was full of adventure. Family members affectionately called him “Gunny Bunny” and noted his love for monster trucks and mud riding with family members. According to the obituary, Keepes stated, “Gunner lived life with a fearless spirit, a playful heart, and a smile that will never be forgotten.”
Coroner Keepes used the incident to raise public awareness about the unrecognized dangers associated with large, child-sized Mylar balloons. He explained that these balloons, often 36 inches in size and available in various shapes and numbers, can appear as toys to children. The coroner emphasized that while these decorations are commonly viewed as harmless, they pose serious risks to young children, including the rare but devastating possibility of suffocation and helium toxicity.
Mylar balloons, also known as foil balloons, are constructed from a layer of thin plastic beneath a layer of foil, creating their characteristic reflective, shiny appearance. These balloons differ from traditional latex balloons and are frequently used for celebrations and decorative purposes. The material is actually metal-coated plastic, such as polyethylene or nylon, making it conductive and capable of causing electrical issues when it contacts power lines.
The Wabash County Coroner’s Office extended condolences to the family and requested the community hold them in their prayers during this difficult time. Keepes emphasized the importance of recognizing the potential hazards these seemingly innocent party decorations can present, particularly to young children who may not understand the risks involved.
A GoFundMe campaign established to support the Hyatt family during their time of grief had raised more than $20,000 as of Sunday. The fundraiser described Gunner as the craziest, most loving little boy, reflecting the impact he had on those around him during his brief life.
This incident follows a similar case in 2023 when a seven-year-old Tennessee girl died after suffocating on a large number-shaped Mylar balloon just days after her birthday celebration. That child’s mother subsequently warned other parents about the potential hazards of foil helium balloons, following her daughter’s death.