Overview:
On July 2, 1982, 33-year-old Lawrence “Larry” Walters, a California truck driver with a lifelong fascination for flight, strapped 42 helium weather balloons to a Sears lawn chair, clutched a pellet gun and a sandwich, and launched himself from San Pedro. Instead of floating a few feet, he rocketed to nearly 16,000 feet—drifting into LAX’s airspace, freezing in altitude, then descending amid power lines in Long Beach. Though fined by the FAA, he walked away unscathed, earning quick fame, TV appearances, and a place in aerospace history. But behind the heroics lay unfulfilled dreams, post-stunt struggles, and a tragic end in 1993. This is the full story of Lawnchair Larry.
Early Life & Dream of Flight
- Born April 19, 1949, in North Hollywood, California.
- Passion for flying since childhood; unable to join the Air Force due to poor eyesight, he served as a cook in Vietnam and worked as a truck driver Plane & Pilot.
- First imagined balloon flight at age 13 after spotting weather balloons in a surplus store.
Preparation and Launch (July 2, 1982)
- Purchased 45 eight-foot weather balloons, helium tanks, and a $109 Sears aluminum lawn chair.
- Assembled “Inspiration I” in his girlfriend Carol Van Deusen’s backyard in San Pedro.
- Armed with a pellet gun, CB radio, sandwiches, soda, beer, camera, and a parachute This Day.
The Epic Flight
- Balloons prematurely released, carrying him to ~16,000 ft instead of the planned 100 ft Smithsonian Magazine.
- Pilots reported seeing “a man in a lawn chair at 16,000 ft” near LAX.
- After 45 minutes aloft, he used his pellet gun to deselect balloons and dumped ballast to descend, but lost the gun.
Dramatic Landing & Fallout
- Tethered lines caught in Long Beach power lines, causing a brief blackout, but he climbed down unharmed The Tombstone Tourist.
- Arrested by LAPD; FAA fined him $4,000 (later reduced to $1,500) for violating aviation regulations Smithsonian Magazine.
- When asked why, Larry said: “A man can’t just sit around.” WIRD.
Fame, Legacy, and Aftermath
- Gained international media attention, appearing on David Letterman, Tonight Show, and advertising Timex Wikipedia.
- The Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center now displays his lawn chair Aerotech News.
- Inspired movies (Danny Deckchair, 2003), a rock musical (42 Balloons, 2024–25), countless live imitators, and even a record book entry WIRED.
Struggles and a Tragic End
- Following the stunt, Larry tried motivational speaking but struggled to maintain momentum; retreated to hiking, volunteer work, and relative obscurity Beyond Understanding.
- On October 6, 1993, at age 44, he died by suicide in the Angeles National Forest—a silent coda to a life that soared beyond expectations Simple Wikipedia.
Why the Story Still Resonates
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| DIY audacity | Turning backyard chaos into a headline-making flight |
| Unforgettable imagery | A lawn chair cruising among airliners |
| American folk hero | Imperfect, brave, and tragic |
| Ongoing legacy | Stories, cultural echoes, and museum displays ensure his ballooned chair remains airborne in imagination |
Editor’s Note:
This article is based on historical records, reputable media sources, and public archives. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, some personal details about Larry Walters’ life, especially post-flight, are drawn from secondary accounts and may reflect limited or evolving documentation. Presence News aims to present stories with care, respect, and factual integrity.
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