6-Year-Old Dies After Inhaling Helium From Birthday Balloons, Family Warns of Dangers | June 7, 2025

A tragic accident has left a small Illinois community grieving after six-year-old Gunner Hyatt died from inhaling helium used in birthday balloons. Funeral services for the young boy were held today in Mount Carmel, just days after the incident that claimed his life.

According to his family, Gunner had just celebrated his birthday and finished kindergarten when he inhaled helium from balloons used for the party. The gas replaced oxygen in his lungs, quickly leading to a lack of oxygen in the brain — a condition that can result in unconsciousness or even death within minutes.

“Your lungs fill with helium instead of oxygen,” one expert explained. “Very quickly, you do not get enough oxygen to your brain.”

Helium is commonly used in celebrations and is often seen as harmless. However, safety experts and grieving families are warning the public that misuse—particularly by children—can have fatal consequences. Similar cases have occurred in the past, including two young girls who died after placing oversized Mylar balloons over their heads.

“I could see that the number seven Mylar balloon was completely over her head, and she wasn’t breathing,” recalled one heartbroken mother.

The Hyatt family is now speaking out to raise awareness, hoping to prevent other families from suffering the same loss.

Balloons are meant to bring joy and celebration, but when misused, they can turn festive moments into unthinkable tragedies. Authorities and child safety advocates are urging parents to supervise children closely and educate them about the potential dangers of helium and balloon-related risks.