Man dies after falling from hot air balloon - West Sussex, 19 Sep 2025

[whole diary]

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

A man has died after falling from a hot air balloon in West Sussex.

Emergency services were called to a report of a man having fallen from a hot air balloon at Newpound Common in Wisborough Green, near Billingshurst, at about 09:20 BST on Friday.

The body of a man, who has not yet been formally identified, was found in a field at 13:50, Sussex Police said.

Police said officers were investigating the incident, but it was not being treated as suspicious."

The man was with a group of people in the hot air balloon at the time, which was travelling from Billingshurst to Dunsfold in Surrey, police added.

[Chris from Nailsea]

An update, from the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

Man, 33, fell from Virgin hot air balloon

A hot air balloon from which a man fell and died in West Sussex was being operated by Virgin, the company has confirmed.

Emergency services were called to a report of a man having fallen from the balloon at Newpound Common in Wisborough Green, near Billingshurst, at about 09:20 BST on Friday.

The body of the 33-year-old, from Hertfordshire, was found in a field at 13:50. Police said officers were investigating but it was not being treated as suspicious.

A spokesperson for Virgin Balloon Flights said it was "working closely with, and fully supporting, the relevant authorities as they carry out their investigation".

The man was with a group of 16 people and a pilot in the hot air balloon, which had been travelling from Billingshurst to Dunsfold in Surrey.

The Virgin spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are first and foremost with the individual's family at this incredibly difficult time. We are also deeply mindful of the experience of all passengers involved and their wellbeing and peace of mind remain a priority. We kindly ask that privacy is respected, as the welfare and safety of our passengers and the public is always our utmost concern."

Det Sgt Elaine Keating said: "This is a tragic incident and our thoughts go to the family of the man and everyone on the flight. We are offering them specialist support at this time."

[Chris from Nailsea]

An update, from the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

Passenger who fell from Virgin hot air balloon took own life

A man who died after falling from a hot air balloon took his own life, an inquest has concluded.

Jesus Lato Garzon, from Watford, fell during a Virgin Balloon Flights journey near Newpound Common in Wisborough Green, West Sussex, at about 09:20 BST on 19 September.

On Monday, assistant coroner Sally Morgan told West Sussex Coroner's Court that Mr Garzon had "intended" to die by suicide when he left the balloon.

After searching for more than four hours, using drones, officers and dogs, Mr Garzon's body was found on farmland nearby, having sustained "traumatic injuries", the hearing was told.

* If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found at the BBC's Action Line.

Mr Garzon's body was found with a note, which the coroner said indicated he had intended to die by suicide.

Footage from the balloon showed he "waved" at a camera in the basket immediately before he fell to his death, the court heard.

Mr Garzon was among 16 passengers and a pilot travelling from Billingshurst to Dunsfold, Surrey. He spoke to the pilot when he arrived at the airfield at 06.15 BST, who had "no concerns" about his fitness to fly, the court heard.

Det Sgt Elaine Keating told the coroner: "Everybody was aware there was a camera to record the flight, and the pilot asked them to look at the camera to take a photo. Jesus turned and waved at the camera and then climbed out of the balloon." She added he then "very quickly" left the balloon and left "no opportunity" for the other passengers to stop him.

Members of Mr Garzon's family attended the inquest via video-link from Spain. He was described as a "much-loved son, family member and friend".

Mr Garzon had not previously expressed any mental health concerns to his GP, the court heard.

The balloon was separated into five sections, and Mr Garzon was with three other passengers.

They set off late due to fog, after a safety briefing, at about 08.45 BST, and police had "no concerns" about the safety of the flight.

Mrs Morgan said it was "not for this court to determine why Mr Garzon took the actions he did".

"I'm not going to speculate as to what was going on in his mind at the time," she added.

A Virgin Balloon Flights spokesperson said: "We are deeply mindful of the experience of all passengers involved, and their wellbeing and peace of mind remain a priority. We kindly ask privacy is respected, as the welfare and safety of our passengers and the public is always our utmost concern."

[ChrisB]

Thoughts to all his fellow passengers & pilot....