Inquest opens after man falls from hot air balloon

Mr Garzon fell at Newpound Common in Wisborough Green, Sussex Police said

An inquest has opened into the death of a man who fell from a hot air balloon.

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.

The body of Mr Garzon, who was among 16 passengers and a pilot travelling from Billingshurst to Dunsfold, Surrey, was found in a field after a four-hour search.

Opening the inquest at West Sussex Coroner's Court on Tuesday, area coroner Joanne Andrews said she was "satisfied this was an unnatural death".

A Virgin Balloon Flights spokesperson said after the incident it was "deeply mindful of the experience of all passengers involved" and their wellbeing was a priority.

Sussex Police previously confirmed that it was not treating Mr Garzon's death as suspicious.

Ms Andrews said coroner's officers would gather the police report, a GP summary and a family statement describing "any concerns they have relevant to the death".

"There will also be inquiries to see if he was known to mental health services," she said.

Coroner officer Kelly Truss told the inquest: "Following an external examination, the cause of death was given as 1A multiple injuries and 1B fall from height."

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