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
Illinois lead exposure testing : More Cook County ZIP codes added to list, Illinois Department of Public Health says

Illinois Expands Lead Exposure Testing: Additional Cook County ZIP Codes Identified by State Health Department

CHICAGO (WLS) — The list of areas where lead exposure testing is…
Juliana Marins smiling in front of a hillside.

‘I’m Not Scared’: Heartbreaking Last Message from 26-Year-Old Backpacker Who Fell into Volcano Crater During Hike

TRAGIC backpacker Juliana Marins told her family “I’m not afraid” in a…
Mugshot of Lucy Letby.

3 Senior Members of Hospital Leadership Arrested in Connection with Lucy Letby Case

COPS have arrested three people who were in senior leadership roles at…
Trump's tax and spending bill nears passage as JD Vance arrives at Senate

Trump’s Tax and Spending Bill Approaches Approval with JD Vance Joining the Senate

Another day, another fight for Republicans trying to pass Trump’s tax bill…
Two Chinese Nationals Accused of Spying on US Navy

Chinese Nationals Charged with Espionage on US Navy

Here’s the latest development: The FBI has arrested two Chinese nationals who…
‘This Keeps Happening’: Megyn Kelly Blows Up on Legacy Media After Another Anti-Jewish Terror Attack

Straight-Talking Megyn Kelly Informs NYT Contributor About the Risks of Accepting Preferred Pronouns

In this episode of “Don’t Mess With Megyn”… The tale starts with…
Massachusetts man accused of stabbing mom's boyfriend 17 times, dousing him in lighter fluid in deadly fight over steaks

Massachusetts Man Allegedly Stabs Mother’s Boyfriend 17 Times, Covers Him in Lighter Fluid During Fatal Dispute Over Steaks

A man from Massachusetts is facing charges after allegedly stabbing his mother’s…
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker selects Christian Mitchell as running mats for 3rd term bid

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Chooses Christian Mitchell as Running Mate for Third Term Campaign

CHICAGO (WLS) — Governor JB Pritzker has announced Christian Mitchell will be…
Pentagon Halting Some Munitions to Ukraine: We Can't Afford It

Pentagon Suspends Certain Weapon Deliveries to Ukraine Due to Budget Constraints

Recently, the focus of news coverage has been heavily on internal matters…
JK Rowling Gets Final Word After Trans-Activist Attacker Ends Up Behind Bars For Child Rape

JK Rowling Responds After Trans Activist Sentenced to Prison for Child Rape

On Monday, in a post on X, the renowned “Harry Potter” author…
Donald Trump speaking and gesturing.

Trump Cautions Elon Musk: US Exit Possible as He Hints at Releasing DOGE ‘Beast’ on Tech Mogul

DONALD Trump has warned Elon Musk he could be forced out of…
Jessica Alba and daughter Honor, 17, match in floral outfits at Wimbledon 2025

Jessica Alba and Her 17-Year-Old Daughter, Honor, Sport Matching Floral Outfits at Wimbledon 2025

Page Six may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you…