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Balloon Boy Dad Called TV Station, Then Police

Richard Heene called station with helicopter

By Kate Schwartz,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 17, 2009 8:15 AM CDT
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(Newser) – A detail that's sure to bolster hoax-believers in the odd tale of balloon boy: Turns out dad Richard Heene phoned a TV news station that had a helicopter before calling 911 after learning that 6-year-old Falcon had supposedly drifted off in a flying saucer-shaped helium balloon. Though Heene's first phone call was to the FAA, that detail may not quell speculation that the entire event was a publicity-seeking stunt.

Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden maintains that the call to the TV station was a logical one, because the helicopter could provide immediate help, adds the Telegraph.

Ryo Heene, the 9-year-old brother of Falcon Heene, plays in the backyard of his parents home in Fort Collins, Colo., on Friday, Oct. 16, 2009. His younger brother, 6, was thought to be in a helium balloon that took off from the wooden platform at right. It set off a...
Ryo Heene, the 9-year-old brother of Falcon Heene, plays in the backyard of his parents home in Fort Collins, Colo., on Friday, Oct. 16, 2009. His younger brother, 6, was thought to be in a helium balloon...   (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
Graphic gives some details about the construction of the Heene family's balloon
Graphic gives some details about the construction of the Heene family's balloon
Six-year-old Falcon Heene is shown with his father, Richard, as they emerge from the family's home in Fort Collins, Colo., after Falcon Heene was found hiding in a box in a space above the garage on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009. Falcon Heene at first had been reported to be aboard...
Six-year-old Falcon Heene is shown with his father, Richard, as they emerge from the family's home in Fort Collins, Colo., after Falcon Heene was found hiding in a box in a space above the garage on Thursday,...   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Six-year-old Falcon Heene listens to questions during a news conference outside the family's home in Fort Collins, Colo., after Falcon Heene was found hiding in a box in a space above the garage on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009. Falcon Heene at first had been reported to be aboard a flying-saucer-shaped...
Six-year-old Falcon Heene listens to questions during a news conference outside the family's home in Fort Collins, Colo., after Falcon Heene was found hiding in a box in a space above the garage on Thursday,...   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
kyleleitch
Oct 17, 2009 10:21 AM CDT
Film it and make him more famous so that he could get his ridiculous inventions marketed?
Sterling_Archer
Oct 17, 2009 3:52 AM CDT
Dad=attention whore.
divetrader
Oct 17, 2009 3:03 AM CDT
I don't think the helicopter would have helped save the boy. They might have spotted the balloon, but other than follow it, what could they have done?
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Falcon Heene • Richard Heene • balloon boy throws up • Falcon Heene hoax • balloon boy today show • balloon boy

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