Silver, metallic balloon in the sky.
Share this @internewscast.com

BACK in 2009, Richard and Mayumi Heene were the masterminds behind a devious deception involving their son Falcon.

They told authorities that the six-year-old floated away in a silver helium balloon shaped like a UFO — here’s everything you need to know.

Silver, metallic balloon in the sky.
Richard and Mayumi Heene told authorities their son floated away in a helium balloonCredit: ABC
Family portrait with large homemade structure in background.
The Heenes with their three kids in 2009Credit: Reuters

Who Are Richard & Mayumi Heene?

Richard and Mayumi Heene were the couple at the center of the infamous “Balloon Boy” hoax that captivated the world in October 2009.

The event occurred in Fort Collins, Colorado, when the Heene family reported that their six-year-old son, Falcon, had drifted away in a homemade silver balloon filled with helium, designed to resemble a UFO.

On October 15, 2009, Richard and Mayumi alerted authorities and the media, stating that their son Falcon was trapped inside the runaway balloon.

The spectacle was broadcast live, with millions watching as the balloon drifted for nearly two hours, covering roughly 70 miles before landing northeast of Denver International Airport.

When the balloon was finally recovered, Falcon was not inside.

Authorities launched a frantic search, fearing he had fallen out.

Falcon was later discovered hiding in the attic of the family’s home, safe and unharmed.

Balloon boy lie unravels

Suspicion quickly arose about the authenticity of the parents’ story, especially after a CNN interview in which Falcon.

When asked why he was hiding, the then six-year-old said: “You guys said that — we did this for the show.”

Investigators quickly concluded that the Heenes orchestrated the event to attract media attention and boost their chances of landing their own reality TV program.

Influencer Haley Kalil aka Haylee Baylee breaks silence on sick death rumor with hilarious self-written obituary

The couple previously appeared on Wife Swap, while Richard had pitched several reality TV concepts, including one about investigating scientific mysteries.

Legal consequences

Both parents eventually confessed to their roles in the hoax.

Richard pleaded guilty to attempting to influence a public servant — he was sentenced to 90 days in jail and ordered to pay $36,000 in restitution.

Mayumi pleaded guilty to false reporting and received a 20-day weekend jail sentence.

The couple also faced eight years of probation and were required to perform community service.

Motivation behind the stunt

Richard is described as a self-styled inventor, storm chaser and aspiring reality TV personality.

Person running away from a large parachute landing in a field.
Dozens of emergency responders and two Colorado National Guard helicopters tried to rescue FalconCredit: Handout

He met Mayumi, originally from Japan, at an acting school in Hollywood, and they married in 1997.

The couple ran a film-editing business and were known for their eccentric pursuits, including storm chasing and UFO hunting, often involving their three sons — Falcon, Bradford and Ryo.

Aftermath

Despite their guilty pleas, the Heenes have maintained their innocence, claiming they were pressured to confess under threat of Mayumi’s deportation.

In 2020, Colorado Governor Jared Polis pardoned both Richard and Mayumi Heene.

The family has relocated to Florida.

Trainwreck: Balloon Boy

A documentary directed by Gillian Pachter revisits the notorious 2009 Balloon Boy hoax.

The film is part of the Trainwreck anthology series, which explores headline-grabbing disasters and media frenzies from around the world.

Episodes of Trainwreck started dropping on Netflix on June 10, 2025, with Balloon Boy available for streaming from July 15.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Boeing settles with a man whose family died in a 737 Max crash in Ethiopia

Boeing Reaches Settlement with Man After 737 Max Crash Claims His Family in Ethiopia

Boeing reached an agreement on Friday with a Canadian man whose wife…
Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron shaking hands at a press conference.

Concerns Rise Over UK’s Potential Dilemma as France Chooses Which Migrants Are Returned Under New Exchange Deal

FRANCE will have the option to select which migrants to accept under…
The Broadway Butterfly, the Lady Gangster of the Jazz Age, flew too close to the lights

The Broadway Butterfly: The Jazz Age’s Notorious Lady Gangster Who Flew Too Close to Fame

NEW YORK — Vivian Gordon, often referred to as the Broadway Butterfly,…
Chicago flooding: West Side seniors say more disaster relief funds needed from city to deal with flooded homes

Chicago Flooding: West Side Seniors Call for Increased City Disaster Relief to Tackle Home Flooding

CHICAGO (WLS) — Seniors living on the West Side of Chicago are…
Keir Starmer and Wes Streeting on the campaign trail.

Doctors Encouraged to Recommend Gym Over Sick Notes to Help Reduce Benefits Expenses in the UK

DOCTORS have been urged to stop handing out sick notes and instead…
Supreme Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson triggered by 'state of our democracy'

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Expresses Concern About the ‘State of Our Democracy’

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, known for sparking debate, is facing…
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed shortly after his capture.

Guantanamo Bay Trial May Lead to Death Sentence for 9/11 Architect Khalid Sheikh Mohammed

THE chief architect of the 9/11 terrorist attacks could be sentenced to death after…
State Department firing more than 1,300 employees under President Donald Trump administration plan, officials say

Trump Administration’s Plan Leads to Over 1,300 State Department Employee Dismissals, Officials Report

The State Department is set to terminate over 1,300 employees this Friday…
Jonestown survivors weigh in on site becoming tourist attraction

Jonestown survivors comment on plans to turn site into tourist destination

Jonestown remains etched in the American conscience as one of the darkest…
‘Skillhouse’ Star Bryce Hall On His New Horror Film, Social Media, And 50 Cent Controversy: “He Was Trying To Hold The Film Hostage For $5 Million”

‘Skillhouse’ Lead Bryce Hall Discusses New Horror Movie, Social Media, and 50 Cent Drama: “He Wanted $5 Million to Release the Film”

When considering influencers from content houses, Bryce Hall often comes to mind.…
Claim $150 bonus or $1K first bet safety net for Wimbledon final between Swiatek and Anisimova

Grab a $150 Bonus or Secure a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net for the Wimbledon Final: Swiatek vs. Anisimova

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Israel Gaza Concentration Camp: Haaretz Calls Out Rafah Camp

Haaretz Criticizes Rafah Camp in Gaza, Referring to It as a “Concentration Camp”

Israel’s defense minister is promoting a plan to herd Gaza’s entire population…