A five-year-old boy who suffocated and died after putting his head into a helium balloon while ‘pretending to be a dinosaur’ has triggered a warning to parents.
How it happened
Karlton Donaghey was overcome by the gas as he tried to ‘surprise his family’ while briefly left alone in his home, an inquest heard.
He was found by his mother 10 minutes later and rushed to hospital but died six days later.
Now Newcastle assistant coroner James Thompson has written to the Government demanding action to prevent future deaths in similar circumstances.
In particular he has raised concerns about the lack of restrictions surrounding the purchase of helium balloons ‘particularly at locations of places of entertainment for children,’ the lack of awareness of the dangers they might pose and the lack of warnings on the balloons themselves of the potential risks.
Court hearing
The inquest in September heard that Karlton had been given the large, green balloon as a treat during a trip to The Hoppings funfair in Newcastle-upon-Tyne with mum Lisa and his dad Karl days before his death in June 2022.
The hearing was told he had been playing in the garden of his family’s home in Dunston, Tyne and Wear, before going inside, when his mother found him unconscious in the living room 10 minutes later.
His mother Lisa said she believes her son had been trying to climb into the dinosaur balloon – which was ‘the same size as him’ – to wear as a costume to surprise his family.
At the inquest Mr Thompson described the tragedy as ‘every parent’s nightmare’.
‘Karlton was a five-year-old boy at the time of his death,’ he wrote in his report.
How balloon killed the boy
‘He was made a present of a large helium filled balloon at local fairground in the days prior to his death.
‘On June 23 2022 whilst momentarily alone in his home he placed the balloon over his head.
‘He became quickly overcome by the helium and despite prompt rescue, he suffered a hypoxic brain injury and subsequently died in hospital on June 29 2022.’
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Addressing the Office for Product Safety and Standards at the Department for Business and Trade, Mr Thompson said: ‘During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern.
‘In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you.
‘The balloon in question displayed no warning as to the potential risk to young children.
‘In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe your organisation has the power to take such action.’
Mr Thompson said the ministry has until December 18 to respond to his report.
