16 years later: Where is the Balloon Boy now, and what happened to him?

It’s been 16 years since “Balloon Boy” became the centre of one of the most bizarre and unforgettable news stories in American history.

In October 2009, millions watched live as a homemade helium balloon floated over Colorado, with fears that a six-year-old child was trapped inside. When the balloon landed without him, and the child was later found hiding in the attic, the story quickly unravelled, and suspicions of a hoax took hold.

Now, Netflix’s new documentary Trainwreck: Balloon Boy revisits the wild incident and reveals what actually happened.

So, what is the Balloon Boy’s real name?

via Netflix

The nickname “Balloon Boy” refers to Falcon Heene, the youngest son of Richard and Mayumi Heene. Born in 2003, Falcon was just six years old when he was reported missing.

Falcon’s brothers, Bradford and Ryo, also appeared in the new documentary and recall their childhood as chaotic and full of DIY science projects.

In the show, Bradford describes Falcon as “wild” and someone who always loved hiding in the family’s homemade “flying saucer” balloon. Their father, Richard, agreed: “Falcon was always hiding.”

So, where is the Balloon Boy now?

via Netflix

Today, Falcon Heene is 22 years old and living a much quieter life in Florida. He is far removed from the media circus that once surrounded him.

Falcon and his brothers now build tiny homes on their family’s Florida property. He shares his projects on Instagram, often posting clips of woodworking, welding, and construction. His bio reads: “I like to laugh and be active. you can find me actively laughing while being active. I make tiny homes. fuh them big ones.”

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Reflecting on the viral moment that made him famous, Falcon told People: “Most of the stuff I remember is just from videos I’ve watched of it. It’s all kind of foggy.”

Known for his humour and self-awareness, Falcon even jokes about his reputation: “I have a track record of hiding in small spaces. So I guess it makes sense that I’m building tiny homes.”

Before switching to construction, Falcon and his brothers performed in a heavy metal band called Heene Boyz, releasing songs like “BALLOON BOY NO HOAX.”

Trainwreck: Balloon Boy is available on Netflix now. For all the latest Netflix news and drops, like The Holy Church of Netflix on Facebook. Featured image via Netflix.