Brazilian priest, Adelir Antonio de Carli, 41, was attempting to break the world record for a flight using only helium-filled balloons to raise money for a 'spiritual rest area' for truck drivers in Paranagua, one of Brazil's main ports. Wearing a helmet, a thermal suit and a parachute, he lifted off from Paranagua on a seat attached to hundreds of yellow, red, green and white party balloons on April 20.
The priest was flying towards the city of Dourados, some 750 kilometers (465 miles) away, but strong winds forced him off course and his last known location was 50 km (30 miles) off the southern Brazilian coast. A day later, the balloons were found floating in the sea.
Body fragments and parts of skydiving equipment were subsequently found floating in the ocean some 100 km off the coast of Rio de Janeiro on July 4.
However, investigators insisted on a DNA test to confirm that the remains belonged to the Catholic priest and not belong to a helicopter pilot who crashed in the area in late February.
