A six-year-old Illinois boy died from suffocation after inhaling helium from a large 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. Wabash County Coroner Shaun Keepes responded to the scene and conducted preliminary investigations into what officials described as a tragic accidental death.
An autopsy performed the following day in Springfield revealed the cause of death was consistent with suffocation due to a Mylar-helium filled balloon. Keepes announced the preliminary findings on June 4, though additional testing and toxicology results are pending to determine the final cause of death.
The boy was born on May 21, 2019, in Evansville, Indiana, but lived in Mount Carmel, Illinois, near the state border with Indiana. He had just completed kindergarten at Mount Carmel Elementary School before the incident occurred.
Family members described Hyatt as an adventurous child who enjoyed outdoor activities, including baseball, fishing, and hunting. His obituary noted that he had a particular love for monster trucks and frequently participated in mud riding activities with his family. Relatives affectionately referred to him as “Gunny Bunny.”
The coroner’s office issued a public warning about the potential dangers of large Mylar balloons following the incident. Keepes indicated that these balloons, which are commonly used as decorations and known for their shiny metallic appearance, can pose serious risks to young children. The balloons are made from plastic and often coated with a thin layer of metal.
According to the coroner’s report, “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.” The office noted that these large balloons, often measuring 36 inches and coming in various shapes and numbers, may appear as toys to children.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission documented six balloon-related deaths in children 12 years old and younger between 2020 and 2023, highlighting the ongoing safety concerns associated with these products. Balloons of any type can pose suffocation and choking risks due to their ability to be inhaled and block airways.
Both the Mount Carmel Police Department and the Illinois State Police Child Death Task Force are conducting ongoing investigations into the incident. Officials have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death.
A GoFundMe fundraiser was established to support Hyatt’s family during this difficult time. The campaign, which described the boy as the “craziest, most loving little boy,” had raised more than $20,000 as of June 6. The fundraiser was created approximately one week after the incident occurred.
Hyatt’s aunt, Bethany Hyatt, posted on social media on May 30, expressing the family’s grief. She described him as an absolute joy and a thrilling child to be around, noting that everyone who knew him considered him an incredible child. The family indicated they would never fully recover from the loss.
Funeral services for Hyatt were scheduled to take place on Friday afternoon at the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home. The coroner’s office extended condolences to the family and requested that the community keep them in their prayers during this difficult period.
This incident follows a similar case in 2023 when a seven-year-old Tennessee girl died from suffocation caused by a large number “7” Mylar balloon just days after her birthday celebration. The Tennessee child’s mother subsequently warned other parents about the potential hazards associated with foil helium balloons.
The Wabash County Coroner’s Office emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding the unrecognized dangers of large child-sized Mylar balloons. Officials hope this case will help educate families about the potential risks these seemingly harmless decorations can pose to young children.
