In October 2009, the world was captivated by the story of the Balloon Boy, a six-year-old boy named Falcon Heene who was believed to have floated away in a homemade helium balloon. The balloon, shaped like a flying saucer, was seen drifting across Colorado, prompting a massive search and rescue operation. News outlets covered the event live, and many feared for the boy's safety. Later, it was revealed that the entire incident was a hoax orchestrated by Falcon's parents, Richard and Mayumi Heene, to gain publicity and potentially secure a reality TV show. The couple faced legal consequences, and the event raised questions about media ethics and parental responsibility.