Update: body of "flying balloon priest" found off Brazil

A story that began on a lighthearted note ("Brazilian balloon priest missing at sea; feared apostasized, raptured"), which quickly turned ominous ("Local Bishop claims no responsibility for "balloon priest") has today ended in sadness:

The body of "flying priest" balloon adventurer Adelir de Carli has been recovered some 100 kilometres off the Brazilian coast, local media reports said Saturday.

Father de Carli went missing in April while attempting to fly with 1,000 helium-filled party balloons tied to a chair. The body was recovered by a tugboat crew off Rio de Janeiro state, reports said.

Police said clothing, a rucksack and shoes left little doubt that the body was that of the priest. DNA tests would be conducted to provide final proof.

Father de Carli, 42, had set out on April 20 on what was planned to be a 20-hour flight from the town of Paranagua, in the state of Parana, to Dourados, in neighbouring Mato Grosso do Sul, to break a 19-hour world record and "to promote religion," as he put it. (TopNews)

God rest his soul. And may this case dissuade others from attempting such stunts.