A 6-year-old Illinois boy died after suffocating on a helium-filled Mylar balloon at his home in Mount Carmel on May 29, according to preliminary findings from the Wabash County Coroner’s Office.
Gunner Matthew Hyatt was found dead at his residence eight days after celebrating his sixth birthday on May 21. County Coroner Shaun Keepes responded to the scene and conducted an autopsy the following day in Springfield.
The preliminary autopsy results indicated the cause of death was consistent with suffocation due to a Mylar-helium filled balloon. Keepes announced the findings on June 4, though additional testing and toxicology results are pending to determine the final cause of death.
The coroner’s office issued a public warning about the potential dangers of large Mylar balloons following the incident. Keepes stated that “these balloons can pose serious risks – particularly to young children – including the rare but devastating possibility of suffocation and/or helium toxicity.”
Mylar balloons, also known as foil balloons, are made from plastic and often coated with a thin layer of metal, giving them their characteristic shiny appearance. These balloons are commonly used as decorations and can come in large, child-sized dimensions up to 36 inches.
Gunner was born in Evansville, Indiana, and had just completed kindergarten at Mount Carmel Elementary School. His obituary described him as a joyful child whose laughter brightened every room and whose heart was full of adventure. The family affectionately called him “Gunny Bunny.”
The boy enjoyed outdoor activities including playing baseball, fishing, and hunting. He had a particular love for monster trucks and frequently went mud riding with his family. His obituary noted that he lived life with a fearless spirit, a playful heart, and a smile that will never be forgotten.
Gunner’s aunt, Bethany Hyatt, described him as an absolute joy and thrilling child to be around. She indicated on Facebook that there was not a person who knew him that would say he wasn’t an incredible child, and expressed that there are no words to express how deeply the family feels his absence.
The Mount Carmel Police Department and the Illinois State Police Child Death Task Force are conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident. The coroner’s office extended its deepest condolences to the family and asked the community to hold them in their prayers.
A GoFundMe account was established to support Gunner’s family during this difficult time. The fundraiser, created last week, has raised over $20,000. The campaign described Gunner as the craziest, most loving little boy.
Funeral services for Gunner were held at the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home. He was the youngest of three children in his family.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported six balloon-related deaths in children 12 years old and younger between 2020 and 2023. Balloons of any type can pose serious suffocation and choking risks due to their ability to be inhaled and block airways.
This incident follows a similar case in 2023 when a 7-year-old Tennessee girl was killed by birthday balloons. Alexandra Hope Kelly suffocated after inhaling helium from a large number seven Mylar balloon, prompting her mother to warn other parents about the potential hazards of foil helium balloons.
The coroner’s office emphasized that while Mylar balloons are often viewed as harmless decorations, they can create unrecognized dangers, particularly for young children. The office hopes this case will raise public awareness about the risks associated with large, child-sized balloons.
Mount Carmel is located in Wabash County, Illinois, near the state border with Indiana. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the final cause of death and gather additional information about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
