A heartbroken mother says she’s in ‘utter shock and disbelief’ after her seven-year-old died while playing with a deflated foil balloon.
Channa Kelly is now warning other parents of the dangers posed by balloons, after losing her daughter last month. Channa explained in a social media post that her daughter Alexandra Hope Kelly was a curious girl, who loved arts and craft, swimming and spending time with family and friends.
“She was an excellent conversationalist and amazed me with her ability to understand and express herself. She put a smile on everyone’s face and brought so much joy and laughter into my life,” Channa, from Tennessee in the US, wrote.
For Alexandra’s birthday party, on September 24, Channa bough a large, foil number seven balloon inflated with helium, and 10 latex balloons.
“A week after her birthday party, I sat with her as she popped all of her latex balloons. Alex asked if she could pop her large 7 balloon and I said that was fine. I would have never imagined that she would have been able to fit this balloon over her head. I went to my bedroom unaware of any dangers with this type of balloon.
“I fell asleep briefly and when I woke up I found my daughter face down on the living room floor where I had left her. I thought for a second that she fell asleep but then noticed the Mylar balloon was around her head. I quickly removed the balloon, called 911 and began CPR right away. I asked the 911 operators to remind of the steps of CPR because it had been so long since my last certification and I didn’t want to mess up. A police officer arrived and took over CPR followed by firefighters and paramedics.
“They worked tirelessly to try to bring her back but their attempts to revive her were unsuccessful. I cried hysterically and was in utter shock and disbelief of what had just occurred, that my daughter and only child was actually gone. On Sunday October 1st my entire world collapsed around me all because I was unaware of the the risk surrounding these types of balloons.
“It is unknown wether she passed away from helium poisoning or suffocation. We are currently awaiting the preliminary results for the final determination of her cause of death. I was told that this could take up to 4 to 6 months.
“I hope by sharing our story that I can bring awareness and educate parents about the dangers of not only latex balloons but also Mylar balloons. I hope and pray that this will prevent and save the life of other children. I wouldn’t want anyone else to experience the pain and devastation that the loss of a child brings.”
Channa’s sister-in-law has set up a GoFundMe for the family, to help cover the funeral costs and support Channa.
2:01 pm
12:37 pm
5:06 pm
11:18 pm
9:25 am
2:00 pm
12:47 pm
10:55 am
12:44 am
11:32 pm
10:30 pm
9:31 pm
9:11 pm
-
-
-
-
Ellen replied
- 17 Oct 2023 , 8:53 am
Reply8:55 pm
8:38 pm
8:25 pm
11:04 am
7:54 am
11:56 am
11:05 am
- 1
- 2
- »
Post a commentTo post a review/comment please join us or login so we can allocate your points.