Infant dies in Kenosha after swallowing balloon knot
The child, who was days from his first birthday, suffered cardiac arrest at a community event. His mother is now hospitalized after 30 weeks into her pregnancy.
By Amanda Delgado ·
A Kenosha infant died on Oct. 26 after swallowing a knot from a balloon at a community event. Kisha Avita-Wilson said she was attending a trunk-or-treat gathering on Oct. 24 when her older children received balloon animals. She stated that the family kept the decorations away from the baby, but one came undone. The infant grabbed the loose material, bit it, and swallowed the tied section, which lodged in his esophagus.
Avita-Wilson pulled the child from his car seat and began CPR. She and her companion used their fingers to try and dislodge the object. The baby turned blue and went into cardiac arrest. Paramedics arrived quickly and used a tube and pliers to remove the obstruction. The infant died two days before his first birthday. Avita-Wilson noted that medical staff could not save him despite their efforts.
The mother is 30 weeks pregnant and remains in a hospital. The stress of the loss caused early contractions. She argued that standard warning labels on balloons are insufficient. Avita-Wilson called for manufacturers to stop selling, marketing, and producing balloons to prevent similar incidents.
The family is organizing a memorial for the child. They have launched an online fundraiser to cover associated costs. The mother asked for public support as they plan the service.
Source: NBC Chicago
