Adelir Antônio de Carli, also known as the "Balloon Priest," was a Brazilian priest and activist who gained fame for his unique method of raising awareness about social issues. In 2008, he attempted to break a record by flying over 1,000 balloons across the state of Paraná, but he disappeared during the flight. Despite extensive searches by the Brazilian Air Force and Navy, his body was not found until three months later, in a state of decomposition, with only the lower part of his body recovered. The cause of his death remains a mystery, but it is suspected that he may have been a victim of a shark or other animal. His story has become well-known worldwide and has even been linked to the film "Up," although this has been disputed.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Adelir Antônio de Carli, also known as the "balloon priest," was a Brazilian priest and activist.
2. He was born on February 8, 1967, in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
3. De Carli moved to Paraná with his family as a child and worked at a gas station, where he had contact with truck drivers.
4. He became a priest and defended the rights of truck drivers and other marginalized groups.
5. In 2006, de Carli discovered a scheme to mistreat homeless people in Paranaguá and reported it, leading to the arrest of some individuals involved.
6. De Carli became known for his activism and decided to draw attention to his cause by flying with helium balloons.
7. He was inspired by a 1982 incident in which a man named Larry Waters flew with helium balloons.
8. De Carli made several flights with balloons, including one in 2008 in which he flew 45 hours from Ampere, Paraná, to Santo Antônio, Argentina.
9. On April 20, 2008, de Carli attempted to fly over the state of Paraná with over 1,000 balloons, but he disappeared in bad weather.
10. A search effort was launched, and parts of the balloons were found in Santa Catarina, but de Carli's body was not found until three months later in Vila Petrobras, near Maricá, Rio de Janeiro.
11. Only the lower part of de Carli's body was found, and the upper part was never recovered.
12. De Carli's death was likely due to a combination of factors, including the bad weather and the possibility of being attacked by a shark or other animal.
13. De Carli's story gained international attention and was featured in several media outlets.
14. He was posthumously awarded the Darwin Award, which recognizes individuals who die in unusual or humorous circumstances.
15. De Carli's story has been compared to the 2009 film "Up," although the film's writers have denied any direct inspiration.