( CNN ) -- The family of a boy who is believed to have set adrift a balloon in Colorado is known for storm chasing and conducting extreme science experiments together , according to the father 's MySpace page . The Heene family , known for storm chasing together , appeared on ABC 's `` Wife Swap . '' Richard Heene describes himself in his profile as a storm chaser and the host of a documentary series and radio show that investigates `` the mysteries of science . '' The Fort Collins family was also featured on the ABC show `` Wife Swap . '' `` When the Heene family are n't chasing storms , they devote their time to scientific experiments that include looking for extraterrestrials and building a research-gathering flying saucer to send into the eye of the storm , '' the show 's Web site said . The flying balloon created a wave of worry after officials believed that one of the Heenes ' sons had climbed inside before it became untethered and flew away . When the helium balloon finally landed , CNN affiliate KMGH-TV reported , no one was aboard . Officials said Thursday that the boy was found in a box in the attic at his family 's Fort Collins home , according to authorities . A neighbor who identified himself as Mark told KMGH that Thursday morning he saw the family outside working on the balloon together . An undated picture on the site shows the family standing behind an object that appears similar to that seen flying above Colorado . Heene is a self-described obsessed `` science detective '' working with a former meteorologist to try to track storms in hopes of helping and working toward more accurate weather forecasting . Who are the Heenes ? » . In 2005 , he flew around Hurricane Wilma 's perimeter , and in 2007 he told the Denver Post he hoped his work would help save lives down the line . The Heenes conduct elaborate storm-chasing experiments as a family , he told the Post . `` I think they really are having fun , '' Mayumi Heene , Richard 's wife , told the Denver Post of her children . `` They get so much more that they ca n't get from any other entertainment . '' Richard Heene has always thought his kids should be able to be kids -- and enjoy life while they are young . `` To some people , it may sound dangerous , but my family is never put in harm 's way , '' Richard Heene told the Fort Collins Coloradoan when he was being featured on `` Wife Swap . '' He said he tracks the storms direction and location and makes sure his family would never be at risk . `` I 'm the only one ever in danger , '' he said .
Dad of boy who untethered balloon is storm chaser , `` science detective '' Richard Heene , wife and boys conducted extreme experiments together . Dad said that despite appearance of danger , `` my family is never put in harm 's way '' `` Wife Swap '' family spent time making `` research-gathering flying saucer ''