### Eight-Year-Old Boy Dies in Heartbreaking Birthday Accident in Birkenhead
An eight-year-old boy has tragically lost his life following a devastating accident at his family home in Birkenhead, overshadowing what had begun as a joyful birthday celebration. Joshua Dunbar, a beloved son and younger brother, was found unresponsive in his bedroom just hours after enjoying his eighth birthday party.
Shortly before 2pm on 27 April 2024, Joshua, described by his family as “one of a kind with the brightest blue eyes and the cheekiest smile”, was celebrating with relatives and friends. The mood of festivity soon turned to heartbreak when he was discovered unconscious, a helium balloon shaped in the number ‘eight’ covering his head.
Emergency services were quickly called after Joshua was found. Despite the best efforts of responders and subsequent hospital staff, the young boy was sadly pronounced dead at 7.23pm that same evening. His passing has sent shockwaves through the community and prompted sorrow far beyond his immediate circle.
The inquest into Joshua’s death, held last week, heard from coroner Andre Rebello who detailed the findings of a post-mortem examination. The cause of death was found to be asphyxia, brought on by the displacement of oxygen in the air by helium from the balloon. Mr Rebello clarified, “Helium is not poisonous. The danger arises when it replaces the air you need to breathe, and tragically, this led to Joshua’s death in just minutes.”
Further commentary from the inquest underscored that there were no suspicious circumstances and no indication that Joshua could have anticipated the consequences of his play. “What happened here was the most tragic of accidents,” the coroner emphasised, acknowledging the unimaginable pain now faced by Joshua’s family. He also noted that it was impossible to know what Joshua’s intentions were—whether fascinated by the shape of the balloon or unintentionally covering his face with it.
In the aftermath of her son’s loss, Joshua’s mother, Carly, has become determined to use her devastating experience to raise awareness about the dangers inherent in helium balloons—an everyday party item so often perceived as harmless. “I would never want another parent or family to suffer the loss of their child in the way we have,” she said, urging others to reconsider purchasing helium balloons for children. “Your whole world can change within minutes.”
Opening up about her own struggles in the months since the accident, Carly described how her life and family have been irrevocably changed. Once outgoing and adventurous, she now faces the ongoing challenges of grief and post-traumatic stress. “The day our son was taken, a big part of me went with him. My heart was absolutely broken into pieces,” she confided, highlighting the lasting emotional impact on both herself and her remaining children.
Her account of the moments around Joshua’s death is deeply poignant, recalling the final minutes spent holding his hand with his father at Joshua’s bedside, giving him permission to “go in peace”. These memories, she said, will “never be erased” and are now part of a new reality she must confront alongside trying to remain strong for her other children.
Despite her sorrow, Carly’s focus remains on preventing any similar tragedy from happening to another family. She pleads for other parents to reconsider the use of helium balloons at children’s events, suggesting that traditional air-filled balloons can be just as festive without the associated risks. “If even one child’s death is prevented, that’s what matters,” she explained.
The inquest’s conclusion brought to a close a profoundly difficult year for the Dunbar family, but Carly’s advocacy continues. As part of a wider conversation about safety in the home, the case has prompted renewed discussion around awareness of seemingly innocuous household items and their hidden dangers. The hope now is that increased vigilance and broader awareness might help to prevent similar heartbreak elsewhere.
Joshua’s memory lives on, cherished by those who loved him and, through his family’s efforts, may yet inspire a greater culture of safety for children everywhere.