A Birkenhead mother, Carly Dunbar, shared a heartbreaking tale of loss following her son Joshua’s tragic death on his eighth birthday. The incident occurred on April 27, 2024, at their home, where a helium balloon accident led to the young boy being found unresponsive.
Details of the Tragic Event
As Carly recounted, the day began like any other birthday. Joshua was enjoying his special day and had gone upstairs with a helium balloon. She described the peaceful moment before the tragedy struck. “I came up after him and went and had a little chat with him,” she said, recalling him sitting calmly on his bed watching TV.
Shortly after Carly spoke with her son, her husband Jamie went upstairs. “At first, I’d seen the balloon, half-deflated. It took me a split second to realize Joshua was lying down with the balloon over his head,” Jamie explained. He attempted to remove the balloon but was met with overwhelming despair.
The Impact of the Incident
Both Carly and Jamie expressed their anguish over the nightmare that unfolded. Carly’s anguished scream for help was a haunting sound that she will never forget. “The pain is still as raw as the minute I heard Jamie scream,” she shared emotionally. This scream marked the onset of a desperate attempt to save Joshua.
Carly detailed how they called for an ambulance. Emergency responders arrived quickly and performed CPR, but tragically, Joshua was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the hospital. A post-mortem examination confirmed that asphyxia involving a helium balloon was the cause of death.
Pushing for Change
In the wake of their loss, Carly and Jamie have initiated a campaign to ban helium balloons. Jamie stated, “We want to raise awareness about the dangers associated with helium balloons.” Their goal is to prevent similar tragedies from occurring during children’s celebrations.
- Event: Joshua’s death due to helium balloon accident
- Date: April 27, 2024
- Location: Birkenhead, England
- Age: 8 years old
Their advocacy aims to highlight the unanticipated dangers that helium balloons pose, stressing the importance of awareness during birthdays and celebrations.
Support Resources
For those in need of emotional support, the Samaritans offer a 24-hour helpline available at 116 123, and additional support can be accessed through their website and local branches. This tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the need for safety awareness.
