7 Facts about Balloon Boy

Wednesday, May 6th 2015. | Events

Facts about Balloon Boy tell you about the hoax in United States. This event occurred when Richard and Mayumi Heene claimed that the gas balloon was floating in the atmosphere and Falcon, their six year old son was in it. It took place o 15 October 2009 in Fort Collins, Colorado, US. Soon it gained a lot of media coverage. The mass media reported that Falcon was travelling at the height of 2.100 meters of 7,000 feet. Let’s find out more interesting facts about balloon boy below:

Facts about Balloon Boy 1: the balloon

The balloon is created in unique shape. The homemade balloon resembled the shape and color of UFO. Due to this event, the boy named Falcon was nicknamed as Balloon boy.

Facts about Balloon Boy 2: the landing

The balloon was flying about an hour. It had travelled crossing three counties for over 80 kilometer or 50 miles. Finally, the balloon landed 19 kilometer or 12 miles of Denver International Airport.

Facts about Balloon Boy

Facts about Balloon Boy 3: the authorities

The National Guard helicopters were sent to find out Falcon in the balloon. Therefore, Denver International Airport was closed down. Unfortunately, Falcon was not inside the balloon. The authorities try to search the entire area just in case that he fell out of the balloon.

Facts about Balloon Boy 4: the hoax

Finally the incident was famous to be a hoax after the boy named Falcon was hiding the attic of the house all day long. The public began to suspect Richard and Mayumi Heene who only wanted to do publicity after their interview on Larry King Live.

Balloon Boy

Facts about Balloon Boy 5: Jim Alderden

Jim Alderden was the Larimer County Sherriff who concluded that the incident of balloon boy was hoax on 18 October 2009. There were some felony charges which could be applied to the parents.

Facts about Balloon Boy 6: the trial

On 13 November 2009, Richard Heene pleaded guilty because of his attempt to influence the public servants. Richard was sentenced to jail for 90 days and his wife for 20 days on 23 December 2009. Moreover, Richard was charged $36,000.

Balloon Boy Pic

Facts about Balloon Boy 7: who is Richard Henee?

Richard Heene was an amateur scientist and a handyman. Actually he wanted to an actor and comedian. But he was not successful. In 1970s, he was interested to become a storm chaser. He married Mayumi Iizuka on 12 October 1997. The couple met at an acting school in Hollywood. Both had three sons: Ryo, Bradford and Falcon. Wife Swap was the TV reality show which featured the Henees. Get facts about air balloons here.