Man who fell from 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.

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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.”

Additional reporting by PA Media.