A 6-year-old Illinois boy died on May 29 after suffocating from a Mylar helium-filled balloon at his home in Mount Carmel, according to preliminary findings from the Wabash County Coroner’s Office.
Gunner Matthew Hyatt died just eight days after celebrating his sixth birthday on May 21. Wabash County Coroner Shaun Keepes responded to the family’s residence and conducted a preliminary investigation into what he described as a tragic accidental death.
An autopsy conducted May 30 in Springfield found the cause of death to be suffocation due to a Mylar-helium filled balloon. Officials announced the preliminary findings on June 5, though additional testing and toxicology reports are pending to determine the final cause of death.
Keepes indicated that the incident involved a large, child-sized Mylar balloon, which can measure up to 36 inches and come in various shapes and numbers. He noted that children often view these balloons as toys due to their size and appearance.
The coroner’s office issued a public warning about the potential dangers of large Mylar balloons. Keepes said, “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.”
Mylar balloons, also known as foil balloons, are made from a layer of thin plastic beneath a layer of foil, giving them a reflective, shiny appearance. They differ from traditional latex balloons and are commonly used for decorative purposes at parties and celebrations.
Gunner was born on May 21, 2019, in Evansville, Indiana, and lived in Mount Carmel, Illinois, near the Indiana border. He had just completed kindergarten at Mount Carmel Elementary School and was the youngest of three children.
According to his obituary, Gunner was remembered as a joyful child whose laughter brightened every room. His family described him as someone who loved the outdoors, enjoyed playing baseball, fishing, and hunting. He had a passion for monster trucks and frequently went mud riding with his family.
The boy’s aunt, Bethany Hyatt, described him as an absolute joy and a thrilling child to be around. She noted on social media that there was not a person who knew him who would not describe him as an incredible child, and expressed that his absence would be deeply felt by all who knew him.
The Mount Carmel Police Department and the Illinois State Police Child Death Task Force are conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident. Both agencies are working to gather additional information about the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
A GoFundMe account established to support Gunner’s family has raised more than $20,000 since the incident. The fundraiser describes him as the most loving little boy and seeks to help the family during this difficult time.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported six balloon-related deaths in children 12 years old and younger between 2020 and 2023, highlighting the ongoing safety concerns associated with balloon products.
The coroner’s office extended its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by the accident. Keepes requested that the community hold the family in their prayers during this difficult period.
This incident mirrors a similar case from 2023, when a seven-year-old Tennessee girl died after suffocating on a large number “7” Mylar balloon just days after her birthday celebration. That child’s mother subsequently warned other parents about the potential hazards of foil helium balloons.
Gunner’s funeral service was scheduled for Friday afternoon, June 6 at the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home. His obituary noted that he lived life with a fearless spirit, a playful heart, and a smile that will never be forgotten.
The coroner’s office emphasized that this case should serve as an opportunity to raise public awareness about the unrecognized potential dangers associated with large child-sized Mylar balloons, particularly their risk to young children who may not understand the hazards they present.
