i have a 6 year old and this is unfathomable to meI really feel ill thinking about him jumping.I cannot even believe how quickly I've become emotionally invested in this story.And I don't even have kids. :( :( :(
I have a stomach ache.You're right, and they did have the guy on just now who is convinced that it would be flying more vertically if there were any weight on board at all.They haven't mentioned it again - it's a developing story, so a lot of the information is fluid and subject to change with updates.I'm watching CNN (the TV station, not online) right now and they are still talking about the rescue mission and the Blackhawk helicopter coming into the area. No mention at all of this.I don't see any mention at all of this on CNN.CNN - I'm not vouching for it - it's unconfirmed.Which channel is reporting this? What gives them that thought?

Expert brought it up on CNN, but it depends on how the balloon is built, I would think. If it's just one big empty chamber, that's one thing, but if it's several smaller enclosed mylar "cells" inside, and the ones on one side have lost pressure, then that could cause all the helium being on the other side to make it lean.Wouldn't the weight of the child more than likely be what's causing the balloon to be canted? I can't imagine what else would cause it to be leaning like it is without something in the basket.
Thats what I am hoping. If the child is hunkered in the corner, it would seem like it would be flying as it is.Wouldn't the weight of the child more than likely be what's causing the balloon to be canted? I can't imagine what else would cause it to be leaning like it is without something in the basket.
CNNWhere are you guys hearing he jumped?
Mountain time?Did they just say he'd been in it since 11 AM???
Probably the best scenario.SchlzmWhat if they have an elite team of paratroopers drop in on him? Even possible to land in the basket and then parachute out with the kid?
Ft Collins, COWhere is this happening?
but the side that's deflated is the side leaning down. I think a potential leak would explain the lean and shoot down that guy's payload theoryYou're right, and they did have the guy on just now who is convinced that it would be flying more vertically if there were any weight on board at all. :(
Just watched that episode yesterday!That family was pretty crazy.Someone just told me it's a kid from this family. Weirder by the minute.
Hope he's flying east.Ft Collins, COWhere is this happening?
They're saying Blackhawk is about 5 minutes away. this was one of the scenarios they were discussing.Probably the best scenario.SchlzmWhat if they have an elite team of paratroopers drop in on him? Even possible to land in the basket and then parachute out with the kid?
Approaching metro Denver. :(Where is this happening?
Im watching....its still flyingCNN reporting balloon has touched down.
This is what I heard mentioned. That he may have fallen or jumped out just as it was getting airborne. Of course, if that were the case, you would think he would have been located at this point.CNN has said he may have "fallen out", but since that eyewitness report is coming from a sibling, presumably it was when it was closer to the ground. Not that he fell from 10000 feet. :(
That was earlier footage. Now they say it's still up again. They aren't getting a damn thing right.ETA: It was when they were showing the ambulances. They said that their report was the balloon was down and that's why they had switched to the ambulances. They're just shooting in the dark here.Im watching....its still flyingCNN reporting balloon has touched down.
Sounds like its a 6 year old trapped freezing and alone in a ballon in a very dangerous situation far above his parents.How desensitized have we become to be making jokes about this?Huh?WTF is wrong with you people?I have a Curious George helium foil birthday balloon in our house from August 8th and it still hasn't come down yet... this could go on for a while.
:(CNN reporting balloon has touched down.
Try the local feed I posted. 500 feet now.That was earlier footage. Now they say it's still up again. They aren't getting a damn thing right.Im watching....its still flyingCNN reporting balloon has touched down.
I have a six year old son and i'm sick right now!! :(i have a 6 year old and this is unfathomable to meI really feel ill thinking about him jumping.I cannot even believe how quickly I've become emotionally invested in this story.And I don't even have kids.![]()
:(
500 feet now. elevation no longer a worry.Elevation is hugely important. Hope it stays below 10K ft.Helicopter rescue is the answer, imo... and quickly.