Media2009

'Balloon Boy' saucer-shaped balloon flight is ruled a hoax

When: Oct 2009
Where: Fort Collins, CO
Sources: 2 public sources

Colorado Guard aviators joined the search for the boy said to be aboard the balloon, later ruled a hoax Sgt. Benjamin Crane, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A Colorado couple said their 6-year-old son had floated away in a homemade saucer-shaped helium balloon, setting off a chase and search costing at least $62,000. The boy was found at home; the parents pleaded guilty to charges over the staged stunt and were sentenced.

Sources

Press'Balloon Boy' Parents Plead Guilty (opens in a new tab)NPR (via KPBS) / 2009-11-13
PressRichard and Mayumi Heene (opens in a new tab)ABC News / 2009-12

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Where it fits

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