If you were like me, you probably perceived the Balloon Boy saga as a hoax from the jump. Well, we now have official word that it was indeed a shameless attempt by the family to better position themselves for a reality show.

“It has been determined that this is a hoax, that it was a publicity stunt and we believe we have evidence at this point to indicate that this was a publicity stunt in hopes to better market themselves for a reality show,” Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden told reporters at a press conference. [CNN]

Here’s the Sheriff’s statement on the incident:


On another note, Balloon Boy and family once appeared on ABC’s Wife Swap. You think Charles Hamilton is weird for praying to Sonic the Hedgehog? Wait till you hear what the Heenes family believes in. Hint: It involves UFOs.

CBS Report on the Hoax