Priest’s Shocking Stunt: 1,000 Balloons, Vanished for Months… What Happened Next Will Stun You!

In an attempt to fundraise for a new chapel in his parish, Father Adelir Antonio de Carli embarked on a journey like no other. The Brazilian priest tied himself to 1,000 helium-filled balloons and set out over the Atlantic Ocean. His mission was simple but daring: to break the world record for the longest time floating in the air, and to raise money for truckers who frequented his highway-side parish. But what began as an ambitious stunt soon turned into a tragic story.

De Carli’s adventure started on April 20, 2008, in the port city of Paranagua, Brazil. Wearing a helmet, aluminum thermal flight suit, waterproof coveralls, and attached to a parachute, he floated up into the sky with the help of his balloons. He also carried a GPS and radio to communicate with air traffic control. His goal was to float for more than 19 hours, the current world record.

This wasn’t the first time Father de Carli had attempted such a feat. Just a few months earlier, in January, he had used 600 balloons to float 17,390 feet into the air, landing safely in Argentina after a four-hour journey. An experienced skydiver and adventurer, de Carli had even undergone survival and wilderness training to prepare for his unique flights. Confident and well-prepared, he set off on this second journey.

However, things quickly took a turn. Eight hours after takeoff, de Carli lost contact with air traffic control. Despite carrying a GPS, reports later suggested that he had difficulty operating the device. As the hours passed, rescue teams searched the sky and sea, hoping to locate the priest. Two days later, some of his brightly colored balloons were spotted floating in the ocean near the state of Santa Catarina, the last place he had been seen on radar. Still, there was no sign of de Carli himself.

Months passed with no news, and hope began to fade. In July, a body was discovered off the southeastern coast of Brazil. DNA testing confirmed the worst: it was Father de Carli. “We were almost certain that it was the priest due to various elements, such as the clothes and material used in the balloon trip,” said Macae’s chief of police, Daniel Bandeira. “The DNA only confirmed our suspicions.”

Reports suggest that the priest may have been struggling in the cold as he floated higher than expected, reaching an altitude of 20,000 feet. Before losing contact, he had reportedly told rescuers that he was feeling “very cold, but fine” and that he was “losing height.” Sadly, it appeared that strong winds had blown him off course, taking him far from his intended path to the city of Dourados.

Father de Carli’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks involved in extreme stunts. His brother, Moacir de Carli, expressed relief that they could finally hold a proper burial for the priest after months of uncertainty. “Now we can have a respectable burial service,” he said, bringing closure to a journey that began with hope but ended in tragedy.

Despite the outcome, Father de Carli’s adventurous spirit remains unforgettable. His determination to bring attention to his cause by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible has left a lasting impact on those who followed his story.