Child tragically dies in ‘balloon’ accident in Wabash County, coroner confirms

WABASH CO., Ill. (WFIE) - An investigation into the accidental death of a child in Wabash County is ongoing.

Coroner Shaun Keepes says he was called to a home in Mt. Carmel last Thursday for that tragic incident.

He says preliminary findings of the autopsy indicate the cause of death is consistent with suffocation due to a Mylar-helium filled balloon.

According to an obituary, 6-year-old Gunner Hyatt passed away on May 29.

It states Gunner was a joyful and fun-spirited little boy whose laughter brightened every room.

The coroner’s office is hoping 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 th