Tragic balloon accident claims life of 6-year-old boy
Share this @internewscast.com

Gunner Matthew Hyatt died a week after his 6th birthday, according to an obituary posted to Keepes Funeral Home.

MOUNT CARMEL, Ill. — A balloon likely suffocated a 6-year-old boy in Illinois, according to the Wabash County Coroner’s Office.

The boy was identified by his aunt on Facebook as Gunner Matthew Hyatt. The incident occurred while he was at his home in Mount Carmel, Illinois, on May 29, according to the coroner.

“He was an absolute joy, and such a thrilling child to be around. There’s not a person that knew him that would say he wasn’t an incredible child,” she wrote. “There are no words to express how deeply we are feeling his absence… We find comfort in knowing that he will never know the sorrows of life because his six short years were spent in happiness. He touched so many lives in his short time here with us.”

While an investigation is still underway, the coroner stated that Hyatt’s cause of death is “consistent with suffocation due to a Mylar-helium filled balloon.”

“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 coroner Shaun Keepes in a statement. 

Mylar balloons are frequently used and sold at many stores. They’re the reflective balloons usually filled with helium in shapes other than the classic tear drop shape balloons take when inflated. 

Despite popular belief, the material they’re made of is not actually metal. Mylar, the “brand name” for the material, balloons have a seam and are made of metal-coated plastic such as polyethylene or nylon, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This makes it conductive, which can cause other issues when not closely monitored. 

These are the types of balloons that might get caught in powerlines and cause outages. The problem is so bad in some cities and states that they’re outright banned from being released. 

Hyatt died a week after his 6th birthday, according to an obituary posted to Keepes Funeral Home.

“Gunner was a joyful and fun-spirited little boy whose laughter brightened every room and whose heart was full of adventure,” it read. “Gunner lived life with a fearless spirit, a playful heart, and a smile that will never be forgotten.”

He had just completed kindergarten at Mount Carmel Elementary School in Illinois. 

Additional tests are being done to confirm the official cause of death. 

The Hyatt family set up a GoFundMe to raise money after his death, describing him as the “craziest, most loving little boy.”

He is survived by his parents Steven and Kayla Hyatt; big brother, Granger Hyatt and big sister, Myah Hyatt, according to the funeral home. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Man being detained, Apple Pay prank gone wrong, London Eye in background.

TikTok Influencer Faces Instant Karma After Prank Backfires on Wrong Target

A TIKTOK influencer experienced immediate consequences when a prank went terribly wrong.…
Welcome to kitten season, when animal shelters need all the help they can get

It’s Kitten Season: How You Can Support Your Local Animal Shelters

NEW YORK (AP) — At around six weeks of age, Strawberry, Blueberry,…
Peace in Our Time: Trump and Musk Will Reportedly Speak on Friday After Public Blowout

Trump and Musk to Engage in Dialogue This Friday Following Public Disagreement

I chose a less-than-ideal day to be away from the news, as…
French report identifies Muslim Brotherhood threat as Ted Cruz seeks US terror designation for group

French Report Flags Muslim Brotherhood Threat Amid Ted Cruz Pushes for US Terror Label

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! President Emmanuel Macron of…
Trump and Musk's explosive social media feud erupts

Trump and Musk’s Major Clash on Social Media Intensifies

The end of their White House bromance came suddenly, days after Musk…
Florida Gov. DeSantis enacts new DUI penalties

Florida Governor DeSantis Implements Stricter DUI Penalties

The laws cover a range of topics, including the implementation of the…
'Sinners' puts 'truth on screen' for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians

‘Sinners’ Highlights the Untold Stories of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians on Screen

CHOCTAW, Miss. (AP) — It’s a small part in a big movie,…
Authorities investigating a new social media post by a New Orleans jail escapee on the run

Authorities Probe Social Media Activity of New Orleans Jail Escapee on the Loose

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Officials stated on Thursday that they have started…
Salvage crew bound for the site of a cargo ship fire off the coast of Alaska

Rescue Team Heads to Alaska for Cargo Ship Fire Recovery

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A salvage team is anticipated to reach the…
Central Davidson High School.

Student Receives $20k and an Apology After Suspension Over Term for Illegal Immigrants

A HIGH school student has scored a $20,000 payout and a public…
Marcus Bausley appears in court, South Side domestic violence murder of Teone Jones highlights troubling trend in Cook County

Marcus Bausley Court Appearance: South Side Domestic Violence Case of Teone Jones Sheds Light on Troubling Cook County Trend

CHICAGO (WLS) — A mother’s heartbreak and fury over her daughter’s murder…
Selfie of a woman wearing glasses and a tie.

A 36-year-old pregnant teacher, accused of grooming and having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student, breaks down in tears during court hearing.

A PREGNANT teacher accused having sex with a 15-year-old pupil after grooming…