DENVER — A six-year-old boy thought to have disappeared in a runaway helium balloon has been found alive at his home.
Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden said the boy identified as Falcoln Heene was found alive and well in his family’s attic, the Denver Post reports.
“Apparently, he’s been there the whole time,” Alderden said. “Hiding in a box a cardboard box, in an attic above the garage.”
The drama began to unfold this morning when the family’s 9-year-old son told his parents that the balloon had taken off with his brother onboard. Footage of the balloon soaring high in the air capitivated viewers before it finally came down several hours later just northeast of Denver International Airport.
However, there were no signs of the boy when rescue crews reached the aircraft.
The boy’s parents, Richard and Mayumi Heene, have previously appeared on the ABC show “Wife Swap.” According to the network’s Web site, the Heene family “devote their time to scientific experiments that include looking for extraterrestrials and building a research-gathering flying saucer to send into the eye of the storm.” With the family’s background, many had speculated the ordeal was a publicity stunt, but authorities discounted that possibility.
“They were besides themselves with worry,” said the sheriff.
Photo: © ABC
