French Skydiver's Balloon Takes Off Without Him
NORTH BATTLEFORD, Saskatchewan — A French skydiver's hope to set a new free-fall record might have come to an end on Tuesday when his ride to the sky left without him.
The helium balloon Michel Fournier was going to use to soar to the stratosphere detached from the capsule he was going to use to jump from 130,000 feet, about 25 miles high.
It happened after the balloon was inflated on the ground at the airport in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. The balloon drifted away into the sky without the capsule.
Fournier appeared disappointed as left the capsule and walked to the hanger. He was hugged by members of his entourage.
The balloon was reported to have cost at least $200,000 and Fournier was said to have already exhausted his finances. His handlers planned a media briefing for later Tuesday.
MOREOops!!! How embarassing...wait, he's French, so he's used to it...never mind.
