Six-year-old boy feared floating away on homemade balloon found safe

Massive police and TV chase for six-year-old boy who floated away in home made balloon ends after 'missing' child was found hiding in the attic

Last updated: July 22, 2019 | 19:54

1 MIN READ

Fort Collins, Colorado: A six-year-old boy has been found hiding in a cardboard box in his family's garage after being feared to have been aboard a homemade helium balloon that hurtled 50 miles (80 kilometers) through the sky on live television.

The discovery marked a bizarre end to a saga that started when the giant silvery balloon floated away from the family's yard Thursday morning, sparking a frantic rescue operation that involved military helicopters and briefly halted some departures from Denver International Airport.

Then, more than two hours after the balloon gently touched down in a field with no sign of the boy, Sheriff Jim Alderden turned to reporters during a news conference and said six-year-old Falcon Heene was at his house.

He said, "Apparently he's been there the whole time."

Six year old Falcon Heene sparked a major search after it was believed he had floated away in a balloon

The balloon that sparked a media and police frenzy in the US

Falcon Heene's father spoke to the media after he was found safe and sound

There were emotional scenes in Colorado after Falcon Heene was found to be hiding in the attic

Falcon is given a huge hug by his mother after he was discovered to be hiding in the attic

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