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Article Seven-Year-Old Dies After Playing With Foil Balloon

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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.

foil balloon girl death

For Alexandra’s birthday party, on September 24, Channa bough a large, foil number seven balloon inflated with helium, and 10 latex balloons.

“As a parent I was always aware of the choking hazard of latex balloons, but never imagined that there was such a risk regarding these very large Mylar helium filled balloons,” she explained.
foil balloon girl death

“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.

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  • So very sad. I wish Mum strength.
    Balloons worry me. I questioned daycare when they have balloon play as I worry that 3 educators with 24 children is not enough eyes on.

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  • I’m so sorry for your loss. I wouldn’t have thought twice about letting my boys play with one of these balloons at 7 years of age. My heart goes out to you and your family on your tragic loss.

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  • What a dreadful accident. You’d think it was more likely with a younger child.

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  • So very sad to lose her daughter at 7 years of age when one would think that there was less chance of them doing something so silly. Do hope she founds out exactly what killed her child.

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  • This is such a tragedy. There is no understanding for what has happened, just shock.

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  • So sad! I wouldn’t have even thought a child would try to wear it on their head, but does make sense with the age :(

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  • Oh my… what a sad sad story. Terribly tragic indeed

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  • Terribly sad. Whatever the cause, I think we all feel for the mumma.

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  • Not sure how this happened. The information is a bit confusing. The balloon was around her head? I’ve always been told helium is unsafe. At parties people think it’s hilarious to swallow the gas to change your voice but it isn’t oxygen. I’ve never popped a helium balloon until it’s mostly deflated.

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  • My heart bleeds for the mother and such a tragic loss she has endured.
    Only problem is my belief that there is more to this story. I feel there are some inconsistencies in this story.
    I do wish her well.

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  • The poor baby girl and her Mum :( What a horrible accident.

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  • Thats so sad and unfortunate. Who knew the dangers

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  • There’s actually a lot of speculation (especially online) as to what’s happened as a lot of things don’t add up. Still, such a sad story, how heartbreaking for the entire family.

    • Yes, whatever the story, it’s very tragic and heartbreaking indeed

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  • So sorry for your loss this is so heartbreaking and sad

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  • This is so sad and heartbreaking, this is every parents’ worst nightmare. Sorry for her loss

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  • Omg so terribly hart breaking this poor mum

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  • Truly heartbreaking story my condolences go out to the family

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  • A parent’s worst fear. So sorry for your devastating loss

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  • This is so sad absolutely heart breaking :(

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  • What an utterly heartbreaking situation. Absolutely tragic for the family.

    Reply
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