Who are Richard & Mayumi Heene? ‘Balloon boy' parents who convinced world their son Falcon was trapped in an inflatable
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.
3
Richard and Mayumi Heene told authorities their son floated away in a helium balloon
Credit: ABC
3
The Heenes with their three kids in 2009
Credit: 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 incident unfolded in Fort Collins, Colorado, when the Heenes claimed their six-year-old son Falcon floated off in a homemade, helium-filled silver balloon shaped like a flying saucer.
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.
Most read in The US Sun
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.
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Dozens of emergency responders and two Colorado National Guard helicopters tried to rescue Falcon
Credit: 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.
Read more on the Irish Sun
The film is part of the
Episodes of Trainwreck started dropping on Netflix on June 10, 2025, with Balloon Boy available for streaming from July 15.
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The Irish Sun
13 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Who are Richard & Mayumi Heene? ‘Balloon boy' parents who convinced world their son Falcon was trapped in an inflatable
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. 3 Richard and Mayumi Heene told authorities their son floated away in a helium balloon Credit: ABC 3 The Heenes with their three kids in 2009 Credit: 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 incident unfolded in Fort Collins, Colorado, when the Heenes claimed their six-year-old son Falcon floated off in a homemade, helium-filled silver balloon shaped like a flying saucer. 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. Most read in The US Sun 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. 3 Dozens of emergency responders and two Colorado National Guard helicopters tried to rescue Falcon Credit: 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. Read more on the Irish Sun The film is part of the Episodes of Trainwreck started dropping on Netflix on June 10, 2025, with Balloon Boy available for streaming from July 15.
The Irish Sun
18 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Kneecap rapper arrives at court after ‘Hezbollah flag' terror charge surrounded by mob of supporters
THE lead singer of rap trio Kneecap was mobbed by supporters as he arrived at court this morning accused of a terrorism offence. Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, is accused of displaying 7 Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh arriving at Westminster magistrate Court this morning Credit: Getty 7 Kneecap member, DJ Provai, is mobbed by fans outside the court Credit: Reuters 7 Kneecap's Naoise O Caireallain cheers as he's surrounded by fans Credit: PA The 27-year-old is due to go before magistrates in Westminster today following the alleged incident during a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London. Og O hAnnaidh, as well as fellow members Naoise O Caireallain, and J J O Dochartaigh, arrived to a scrum of hundreds of their supporters who cheered as their vehicle pulled up. However, pro-Israel demonstrators also held a counter protest, with police keeping both groups separate. The band were wearing "Free Mo Chara" T-shirts as they arrived at the central London court. READ MORE NEWS The members of Kneecap walked up the stairs of the court and looked over the balcony, smiling and giving a thumbs up to their hundreds of supporters gathered outside. A crowd of supporters had surged around the entrance as the band arrived, with some also entering the lobby. The charge Og O hAnnaidh faces alleges he displayed a flag in a public place, "in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation" - namely Hezbollah. Kneecap described the prosecution as a "witch hunt" in a post on X on Tuesday evening. Most read in The Sun The post including a short video which appeared to show a billboard that had been displayed in London with the words "more blacks, more dogs, more Irish, Mo Chara". Supporters began to gather outside the court building on Wednesday morning holding placards saying "Free Mo Chara" and "Defend Kneecap". Kneecap perform surprise gig in London hours after rapper Liam O'Hanna, 27, charged with terror offence A mixture of Palestinian and Kneecap flags were being held by some of the crowd, and cheers were heard after an ad van drove past displaying the slogan "More Blacks, More Dogs, More Irish, Mo Chara". Austrian Alexandra Kennedy, who had travelled from her home country to show support, said: "I think that Kneecap are important to so many people that if Liam Og O hAnnaidh gets a heavy sentence, then maybe people will lose something, they need the connection to Kneecap." Copywriter Victoria Ashworth travelled from her home in Brighton with her daughter Lily to attend the protest. Ms Ashworth, 53, said: "I just feel like the charges are utterly ridiculous. I believe in freedom of speech." Police removed a pro-Israel protester who walked into the crowd wearing an Israeli flag which prompted boos, swearing and shouts of "free Palestine". The crowd became animated and shouted "Israel is a terrorist state" and "take him out for his own safety" as he made gestures and argued with protesters. Police surrounded the man as the crowd moved towards him, with protesters cheering as he was removed. The Metropolitan Police said the force had charged O hAnnaidh, who appears on the court list as Liam O'Hanna, after initially being made aware of a video from the gig at the O2 Forum which had been posted online. In a separate event shortly after the terrorism charge, O hAnnaidh could be seen in social media videos entering the stage with tape covering his mouth. Kneecap said they have "never supported" Hamas or Hezbollah, both of which are banned in the UK. 7 Og O Hannaidh is accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbolla Credit: PA 7 Pro-Israel protesters try to counter-protest Credit: EPA 7 A fan dressed as Adolf Hitler Credit: EPA 7 Police officers take away a counter-protestor carrying an Israeli flag Credit: Reuters
Sunday World
a day ago
- Sunday World
Israeli tank kills 51 people in Gaza crowd waiting for food trucks
Latest | Hundreds have been killed trying to get aid in past three weeks A mourner reacts Video shared on social media showed around a dozen mangled bodies lying in a street in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. The Israeli military acknowledged firing in the area and said it was looking into the incident. Eyewitnesses interviewed by Reuters said Israeli tanks had fired at least two shells at a crowd of thousands, who had gathered on the main eastern road through Khan Younis in the hope of getting food from aid trucks that use the route. "All of a sudden, they let us move forward and made everyone gather, and then shells started falling, tank shells," said Alaa, an eyewitness, interviewed by Reuters at Nasser Hospital, where wounded victims lay sprawled on the floor and in corridors due to the lack of space. A mourner reacts News in 90 Seconds - June 17 "No one is looking at these people with mercy. The people are dying, they are being torn apart, to get food for their children. Look at these people, all these people are torn to get flour to feed their children." Medics said at least 51 people were killed and 200 wounded, at least 20 of them in critical condition. Casualties were being rushed into the hospital in civilian cars, rickshaws, and donkey carts. In a statement, the Israeli Defence Forces said: "Earlier today, a gathering was identified adjacent to an aid distribution truck that got stuck in the area of Khan Yunis, and in proximity to IDF troops operating in the area. "The IDF is aware of reports regarding a number of injured individuals from IDF fire following the crowd's approach. The details of the incident are under review. The IDF regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals and operates to minimise harm as much as possible to them while maintaining the safety of our troops." Medics said at least 14 other people were also killed in separate Israeli gunfire and airstrikes elsewhere in the enclave, taking Tuesday's death toll to at least 65. The incident was the latest in nearly daily mass killings of Palestinians seeking aid in the past three weeks, since Israel partially lifted a total blockade on the territory it had imposed for nearly three months. Israel has been channelling much of the aid it is now allowing into Gaza through a new U.S.- and Israel-backed group, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which operates a handful of distribution sites in areas guarded by Israeli forces. The United Nations rejects the system as inadequate, dangerous and a violation of humanitarian impartiality rules. Israel says it is needed to prevent Hamas fighters from diverting aid, which Hamas denies. Palestinians carry bags containing food and humanitarian aid (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) Gaza authorities say hundreds of Palestinians have been killed trying to reach the GHF's sites, including 23 people killed by Israeli gunfire on Monday in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. The GHF said in a press release late on Monday that it had distributed more than three million meals at its four distribution sites without incident. The Gaza war was triggered in October 2023, when Palestinian Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli allies. Israel's subsequent military assault on Gaza has killed nearly 55,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry, while displacing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million and causing a hunger crisis. Since last week, residents of Gaza have kept an eye on war between Israel and Iran, which began with Israel launching major strikes on Friday. Iran has long been a major supporter of Hamas. Residents of the Gaza Strip have circulated images of wrecked buildings in Israel hit by Iranian missiles, some openly happy to see Israelis experiencing a measure of the fear of air strikes that Gazans have endured for 20 months. "We live these scenes and pain daily. We are very happy that we saw the day when we saw rubble in Tel Aviv, and they are trying to get out from under the rubble and the houses that were destroyed on top of their residents," said Saad Saad, a Gaza man. Said another, Taysseir Mohaissan: "The time has come for Iran to teach the Israeli occupation state a lesson." (Reporting and writing by Nidal al-Mughrabi. Additional reporting by Hatem Khaled, Hussam al-Masri, and Dawoud Abu Alkas in Gaza; Editing by Alex Richardson, William Maclean, Peter Graff)
