A birthday meant to be full of laughter and joy turned into a family’s unimaginable tragedy.
Eight-year-old Joshua Dunbar lost his life in a heartbreaking accident involving something many consider harmless—a helium balloon. Now, his mother is sharing a warning that no parent should ever have to learn the hard way.
Joshua, a lively and cheerful boy, had just enjoyed his birthday celebration with balloons, party hats, and the smiles of loved ones. But hours later, tragedy struck. On April 27, 2024, Joshua was found unresponsive in his bedroom, a large number-eight helium balloon covering his face. Despite the immediate efforts of his family and paramedics, Joshua could not be saved.
“It was absolutely traumatic,” his mother Carly recalled. “You close your eyes, and that’s all you see and hear—the screams, the shouts, the sirens, the doctor saying they were sorry. I remember holding his hand, me and his dad, and telling him, ‘If your angel wings are there and you’re ready, go in peace.’ Within minutes, he was gone. It felt as if he was waiting for our permission. These are visions I’ll never forget.”
The Cause: Helium Asphyxia
At an inquest, Coroner Andre Rebello confirmed Joshua’s death was “consistent with asphyxia involving a helium balloon.” While helium itself is non-toxic, it can displace the oxygen necessary for life. Without oxygen, the body can only survive for a few minutes.
“It was meant to be a celebration,” Rebello said. “We can only speculate what Joshua was doing—perhaps playing with his voice or unaware there was no air. Tragically, it proved fatal.”
A Mother’s Warning
In the days following her son’s death, Carly took to social media to alert other parents to the hidden danger. She urged families to avoid helium balloons entirely.
“There is no cure for a broken heart,” she wrote. “Please, do not buy helium balloons for your children. Every day since, I’ve regretted that one balloon. Stick with air-filled balloons—they’re just as beautiful and won’t risk a child’s life.”
Carly hopes Joshua’s story will prevent similar heartbreak. “If even one family avoids helium balloons because of what happened to Joshua, one child’s life could be saved. That’s what matters—prevention.”
Conclusion
Joshua Dunbar’s death is a tragic reminder that everyday items can hide unseen dangers for children. His mother’s plea is a call for vigilance: even small, seemingly harmless choices—like selecting air-filled over helium balloons—can make the difference between safety and tragedy. For parents, protecting children often means rethinking the little things we take for granted.