Heene Family Investigated for Possible Balloon Hoax

October 16, 2009 by Cathy Ribble
Filed under: News

The family of Falcon Heene is under investigation for yesterday’s balloon escapade which captured the world’s attention.

After the 50-mile balloon chase which reached heights of 8,000 feet, the balloon finally came crashing down, but little Falcon Heene was nowhere to be found.

Falcon was later found hiding in his parents’ attic. Parents, Richard Heene and Mayumi Heene, began television interviews with their children present. Falcon admitted hearing his family call his name while he was hiding. Durving the live interview on CNN his father asked Falcon, “Why didn’t you come out?” Falcon answered, “You had said we did this for a show.”

Local authorities are launching an investigation to determine if this was all a hoax. The recording of the emergency call for assistance has just been released by authorities. Both parents sound distraught, but is it genuine? They reported their son had been missing for approximately 20 minutes. Neighbors reported they thought the family seemed genuinely distraught.

Reports of the estimated cost of rescue efforts are rising. Some believe it could be as high as $2 million. The rescue effort included a Black Hawk helicopter, another helicopter, rerouting air traffic, ambulances and other first responders. The Federal Aviation Administration is also reviewing the case to determine whether a formal investigation should be launched.

The family seems to like drama. Richard Heene is a weather chaser. The family reportedly often sleeps in their clothes so they will be ready to chase a storm at any time. They have appeared on the TV reality show Wife Swap for two seasons. Richard Heene also hosts regular You Tube video series.

Fox News interviewed a psychiatrist this morning who expressed serious concern for a family that would involve children in plotting such a hoax and ongoing drama of this magnitude. Falcon suffers from diabetes. Stress and excitement can change blood sugar levels drastically. On several occasions Falcon became physically ill saying he felt like he was going to vomit. He left the room with his mother and could be heard gagging.

Was it a hoax? Or was it just a scared little boy who got too close to his father’s balloon? Should the family have to pay for the rescue effort?