Boy, 5, Dies After Inhaling Helium from Balloon—Family Warns of Hidden Dangers
A five-year-old boy died after inhaling helium from a balloon in June 2022. Karlton Noah Donaghey was found unconscious at home, with the balloon covering his face. His family now warns others about the hidden dangers of helium.
On 23 June 2022, Karlton had been swimming in the pool before the incident. His sister, 29-year-old Kaitlin Donaghey, discovered him lying motionless on the floor with a helium balloon over his face. She immediately began CPR and called emergency services.
Doctors fought to save Karlton for six days before confirming severe brain damage. They told the family no further treatment would help. His mother had earlier cut the balloon's string to prevent choking, unaware that helium itself could be fatal. Helium can replace oxygen in the lungs within seconds, causing unconsciousness, brain injury, or death. Kaitlin now urges parents to avoid buying helium balloons to prevent similar tragedies. Official German statistics from 2021 to 2025 show no recorded cases of children suffering severe harm or death from helium balloon inhalation.
Karlton's death highlights the risks of helium exposure, even from common party balloons. His family continues to raise awareness, hoping to spare others the same loss. Authorities have not reported similar incidents in recent years.
