A man who tragically fell from a hot air balloon last week had previously expressed his fear of heights to a former coworker. The body of Jesus Lato Garzon, a resident of Watford, was discovered in a field near Newpound Common in West Sussex following the incident.
Garzon, originally from Seville, Spain, had left his job at The Grove, a luxury retreat in Hertfordshire, stating that he needed time to reflect on his life. He was on a Virgin balloon flight with 16 other passengers and a pilot when the incident occurred during a journey from Billingshurst, West Sussex, to Dunsfold, Surrey. He had purchased the flight experience himself and had been a spa employee at the retreat for five years.
His former colleague at the resort described him as a positive individual who never gave up. The colleague recalled a conversation where Garzon had expressed his aversion to hot air balloons due to his fear of heights, despite the hotel offering balloon trips to guests and staff previously.
An inquest into the incident is scheduled to open at West Sussex Coroner’s Court. Detective Sergeant Elaine Keating expressed condolences to the man’s family and reassured that the death is not considered suspicious. Sussex Police conducted an extensive search involving officers, drones, search teams, and dogs to locate Garzon’s body.
A spokesperson from Virgin Balloon Flights conveyed sadness over the incident and prioritized the well-being of all passengers involved. Sussex Police confirmed that the incident is under investigation, and no foul play is suspected.
