Tennesse girl, 7, killed by her own birthday balloons: mom says in warning to parents

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She said she removed the balloon, called 911 and immediately began CPR. Emergency personnel took over CPR when an ambulance arrived, but the little girl couldn’t be saved, Kelly said. 

“They worked tirelessly to try to bring her back but their attempts to revive her were unsuccessful,” she said. “I cried hysterically and was in utter shock and disbelief of what had just occurred, that my daughter and only child was actually gone.”

It’s unclear if Alexandra died as a result of suffocation or helium poisoning. A medical examiner is conducting an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death and police are investigating her death, according to the grieving mom.

It’s unclear if Alexandra died as a result of suffocation or helium poisoning. A medical examiner is conducting an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death and police are investigating her death, according to the grieving mom.

Kelly said she was sharing her story to bring awareness to the dangers of mylar balloons. 

“On Sunday, October 1st my entire world collapsed around me all because I was unaware of the risk surrounding these types of balloons… I hope and pray that [sharing our story] will prevent and save the life of other children,” she said. “I wouldn’t want anyone else to experience the pain and devastation that the loss of a child brings.”

Balloons are the number one cause of child deaths by suffocation out of all children’s products, according to US Consumer Product Safety Commission data.

A funeral for Alexandra was held over the weekend. Her mother said she loved arts and crafts, spending time with her cousins and swimming at her grandparents’ pool.

“She was full of curiosity and had to ask questions about everything… She was an excellent conversationalist and amazed me with her ability to understand and express herself,” Kelly said. “She put a smile on everyone’s face and brought so much joy and laughter into my life.”