In spite of all our differences, the one thing that binds all living creatures is that we each have an expiration date. This finality to our existence is what makes life special, something to be cherished and protected. But occasionally things can go terribly wrong…
A Catholic priest floated away under hundreds of helium balloons in a bid to raise money for his parish and is now missing off the coast of Brazil. Searchers for Reverend Adelir Antonio de Carli have found only pieces of the party balloons in the ocean.
Reverend de Carli lifted off from the coastal city of Paranagua wearing a helmet, thermal suit and a parachute. He was trying to break a 19-hour record for flying with balloons to raise money for a spiritual rest-stop for truckers in Paranagua. Officials reported him missing after they lost contact with the reverend 8 hours into the flight.
A video of the event shows the smiling 41-year-old priest soaring into the air to cheers from the crowd below. He soared nearly 4 miles high, then descended to just over a mile to fly over the city of Dourados. But winds then pushed him out to sea, and de Carli was 30 miles offshore when authorities lost contact.
Apr 25, 2008 at 10:41:50
Update: The Brazilian air force has called off the search for the priest, who is presumed dead at sea.