Mother’s Warning After Son’s Tragic Birthday Accident
The mother of 8-year-old Joshua Dunbar, who died just hours after his birthday party, is pleading with parents to stop buying helium balloons after one caused his death in what she calls “one of the most tragic of accidents.”
On April 27, 2024, Joshua was found unresponsive in his bedroom with a large number eight-shaped helium balloon over his head. Despite frantic efforts, he couldn’t be revived. The coroner confirmed his death was due to asphyxia caused by inhaling helium, which displaced the oxygen he needed to breathe.
“It started as a celebration,” said Coroner Andre Rebello. “He was a little boy playing in his room, and tragically it had fatal consequences.”
Joshua’s mother, Carly, now campaigns for a ban on helium balloons. “Please, don’t buy your children helium balloons,” she urged on Facebook. “Every day I hate myself for buying the balloon that took our boy. Stick with air-filled ones—they look just as nice.”
Carly hopes her message will save other families from the same heartbreak. “If even one child’s life is spared, then Joshua’s death won’t be in vain.”