Latest news with #MountCarmelPoliceDepartment
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Boy, 6, dies after inhaling helium from balloon just days after birthday
WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT Following Gunner's death last month a coroner has warned the public about the 'unrecognized' dangers of the large, child-sized balloons A six-year-old boy has tragically died eight just days after his birthday after inhaling helium from a Mylar balloon, family and officials have said. The horrific incident happened on May 29 when Gunner Hyatt likely suffocated to death when he breathed in the inert gas at his home in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. Officers from Wabash County Coroner's Office rushed to the scene but sadly Gunner was unable to be saved. Following Gunner's death a coroner has warned the public about the 'unrecognized' dangers of the large, child-sized balloons. On Wednesday June 4 Wabash County Coroner Office shared a statement following Gunner's tragic death, it read: "Shaun Keepes responded to a residence in Mount Carmel on Thursday, May 29, 2025, regarding the tragic accidental death of a juvenile. "An autopsy was conducted in Springfield, Illinois, on Friday, May 30, 2025. Preliminary findings indicate that the cause of death is consistent with suffocation due to a Mylar-helium filled balloon. Additional testing and toxicology, are pending to determine the final cause of death. "Coroner Keepes wishes to raise public awareness about the unrecognized potential dangers associated with large child size Mylar balloons. 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 Wabash County Coroner's Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking accident. As a community, please hold this family in your prayers. Agencies involved in the ongoing investigation include the Mount Carmel Police Department and the Illinois State Police Child Death Task other information will be released at this time." Gunner, who had just completed Kindergarten at Mount Carmel Elementary School, was remembered as a cheerful and adventurous child whose 'laughter brightened every room. He was the happiest outdoors-whether he was playing baseball, fishing by the water or exploring the woods hunting. 'He had a huge love for monster trucks and never missed a chance to go mud riding with his family. Gunner lived life with a fearless spirit, a playful heart, and a smile that will never be forgotten," according to his obituary. The boy, whose birthday was on May 21, was the youngest of three children. The youngster's grief-stricken aunt, Bethany Hyatt, described him as 'an absolute joy and such a thrilling child to be around.' Hyatt shared a tribute on Facebook on May 30: 'There's not a person that knew him that would say he wasn't an incredible child. There are no words to express how deeply we are feeling his absence. He will forever be in our thoughts and we will never truly recover from this. He touched so many lives in his short time here with us.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Child, 6, died after inhaling helium from a large Mylar balloon, medical examiner says
A six-year-old Illinois boy died after inhaling helium from a large, 'child-size' Mylar balloon just days after his birthday, according to officials. Gunnar Hyatt likely suffocated and died after inhaling helium from the balloon last Thursday, May 29, WFIE reported. Hyatt, who had just celebrated his sixth birthday eight days before, was examined by Wabash County Coroner Shaun Keepes at the family's home in Mt. Carmel, a city bordering the state of Indiana. Preliminary autopsy findings indicate that Hyatt's cause of death was consistent with suffocation due to a Mylar-helium filled balloon, Keepes said. Additional testing will be required to determine the boy's official cause of death, he added. Hyatt, born on May 21, 2019, in Evansville, Indiana, was remembered as a 'joyful and fun-spirited little boy whose laughter brightened every room and whose heart was full of adventure,' according to his obituary. The boy, whom his family affectionately referred to as 'Gunny Bunny,' loved being outdoors, playing baseball, fishing, or hunting, and cherished his parents and two older siblings. 'Gunner lived life with a fearless spirit, a playful heart, and a smile that will never be forgotten,' the obituary added. A GoFundMe set up to help the family described Hyatt as 'the craziest, most loving little boy.' It had raised over $19,000 as of Thursday morning. Following his death, the coroner's office hoped to raise public awareness about the potential dangers of large Mylar balloons that had been forgotten. '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,' Keepes said. The Mount Carmel Police Department and the Illinois State Police Child Death Task Force are also investigating the incident.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Wabash County juvenile dies from helium balloon suffocation
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The Wabash County Coroner's Office is providing a warning to the public after a juvenile reportedly died from accidental suffocation due to a helium filled balloon. According to a release from the coroner's office, Coroner Shaun Keepes responded to a report of an accidental death of a juvenile in Mount Carmel on May 29. The identity of the juvenile was not provided, but authorities say preliminary findings indicate that the cause of death was consistent with suffocation due to a Mylar-helium filled balloon. In the release, Coroner Keepes noted the potential dangers associated with large child size Mylar balloons. '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,' said Keepes. The Mount Carmel Police Department and the Illinois State Police Child Death Task Force are continuing the investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
