It was October 15, 2009 when the world was watching Colorado for what was quite possibly one of the craziest news events of the year. After circulating reports of a missing six-year-old, the world held its breath whilst a large balloon floated high above Northern Colorado, reportedly carrying the child. Once the balloon had descended, the boy was nowhere to be found, leading investigators to believe that the child had fallen out during the balloon’s 50-mile journey.

Thankfully, this was not the case and the child was later found hiding in the family’s attic. By that evening, there was speculation that the parents had lied to investigators about the events and had staged the boy’s disappearance as a mere publicity stunt. Three days later, the parents of “Balloon Boy” were charged and not only spent time in jail, but were also sentenced to pay $36,000 in restitution.

Let’s take a look back at this bizarre day in Colorado history, with the television interview that first brought the family’s lie to light:

For even more strange state history, check out 11 Insane Things That Happened In Colorado You Won’t Find in History Books.

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