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
Sean 'Diddy' Combs to be sentenced in October after split verdict

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Faces Sentencing in October Following Mixed Verdict

NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs is scheduled to be sentenced…
2 men arrested in connection to deadly Macclenny double shooting

Two Arrested in Macclenny Double Shooting Case

Authorities have charged two men in the fatal shooting of Devin “DJ”…
Supreme Court blocks Trump from restarting Alien Enemies Act deportations

The Supreme Court paves the way for Trump’s efforts to reduce the number of federal employees.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday gave the green light to President Donald…
People running from bulls during the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, Spain.

Man Injured by 1,260lb Bull at Notorious Pamplona Bull Run; Stampede Leaves Eight More Injured

A MAN has been gored by a 1,260lb beast at the notorious…
Stephen Miller Is Fed Up, Sounds the Alarm to Protect ICE Agents From 'Inspiring Domestic Terrorism'

Stephen Miller Expresses Frustration, Urges Safeguards for ICE Agents Against ‘Encouraging Domestic Terrorism’

Recently, the situation has become increasingly perilous for ICE and Border Patrol…
Professed shooter in Jared Bridegan murder case gets new attorney

Alleged Gunman in Jared Bridegan Case Appoints New Lawyer

In 2023, Tenon admitted to being the gunman in Bridegan’s murder. The…
Serial killer baby names are on the rise in 2025, new report

Rising Trend of Baby Names Associated with Notorious Figures in 2025, According to New Report

Expecting parents are taking a stab at it — quite literally. Villains, criminals, and…
Jacksonville drug bust seizes fentanyl for 600,000 doses

Jacksonville Authorities Confiscate Enough Fentanyl for 600,000 Dosages

Jacksonville authorities dismantled a drug house near Downtown, seizing enough fentanyl to…
Iranian sleeper cells may be hiding 'in plain sight' waiting to target rural US areas, terrorism expert warns

Terrorism Expert Warns of Potential Iranian Sleeper Cells in Rural US Areas

A counterterrorism expert says that Iranian sleeper cells may be hiding “in…
Marvel Comics writer Eve L. Ewing takes inspiration from Chicago roots for 'Ironheart' on Disney+

Eve L. Ewing Draws on Chicago Legacy for Marvel’s ‘Ironheart’ Series on Disney+

CHICAGO (WLS) — Eve L. Ewing is a Chicago powerhouse, an acclaimed…
Former '16 and Pregnant' star Whitney Purvis charged in man's death

Ex-’16 and Pregnant’ Star Whitney Purvis Accused in Man’s Death

A former participant of MTV’s “16 and Pregnant” found herself in legal…
Benjamin Netanyahu handing a document to Donald Trump at a meeting.

Trump Receives Nobel Peace Prize Nomination During Netanyahu’s Successful White House Visit

DONALD Trump has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Israel’s…