Inquest Opens Into Fatal Hot Air Balloon Fall in Sussex

An inquest has been opened into the death of Jesus Lato Garzon, a 33-year-old man from Watford who fell from a Virgin Balloon Flights hot air balloon during a trip from Billingshurst to Dunsfold in West Sussex. His body was found after a four-hour search involving police drones, dogs, and officers, with the cause of death given as multiple injuries consistent with a fall from height. The area coroner, Joanne Andrews, classified the death as unnatural and instructed further investigations including police reports, medical history, and family statements, as well as inquiries into any mental health history. Virgin Balloon Flights expressed concern for the wellbeing of all passengers involved in the incident. Police confirmed they are not treating the death as suspicious. Mr. Garzon had recently left his job at a five-star hotel and was described by colleagues as a positive and hardworking individual who had previously expressed a fear of heights.