Was the Boy in the Balloon a Hoax? | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Saturday, October 17, 2009

The Colorado kid had the attention of the nation while everyone thought he was a stowaway in a runaway balloon. He was safe and sound on the ground all along.

Speculation that the bizarre 50-mile chase of a flying saucer shaped helium balloon was a hoax is being flatly denied today by the father of the six year old boy who was believed to have crawled inside the craft.

Richard Heene: "I went through such a roller coaster of emotions yesterday, to have people say that, I think is extremely pathetic."

The entire Heene family made the rounds of the morning programs to tell their side of the incredible story.

Richard Heene released this video of the accidental launch of the balloon to show his initial shocked reaction that his home made device had gotten away.

Brad Heene told his father that he believed his 6-year-old brother Falcon had gotten inside while they were taking a break.

The 911 call revealed the anguish in Richard Heene's voice.

Fortunately Falcon was not inside the balloon, he had been hiding in the garage attic. The queasy youngster explained why he hid inside the attic. "Dad had yelled at me."

The former "Wife Swap" family said they have nothing to sell. Richard Heene said he's just happy his son is safe. "I love him very much. These guys mean so much to me."

The authorities are now looking at whether the Heene family will face charges.