Inquest opens into fatal hot air balloon fall in Wisborough Green

Thursday, 2 October 2025 06:00

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

33-year-old Jesus Lato Garzon, from Watford, was one of 16 passengers on board the Virgin Balloon Flights trip from Billingshurst to Dunsfold in Surrey last month.

Following an extensive search involving neighbourhood officers, specialist search teams, police drones and dogs, the body of a man was discovered in a field at around 1.50pm on the 19th of September, around 4hours after the fall.

The company says it remains deeply mindful of the impact on all those involved and that passenger wellbeing is its priority.

The inquest continues.

More from Local News

Man jailed for 15 years after double stabbing near Storrington

A man who stabbed two people near Storrington has been jailed for 15 years.
Weekend football: Brighton chase third win, local clubs in action across leagues

It’s another busy weekend of football across the South, with Brighton looking to continue their strong run and a host of local fixtures taking place in the men’s and women’s game.
Selsey Pavilion Trust secures second National Lottery Heritage Fund grant

The Selsey Pavilion Trust has secured a second grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, worth more than £77,000.
Fire in a house in Aldwick

West Sussex Fire and Rescue have battled a blaze in a house in Aldwick.
Bognor Regis Mayor visits air ambulance base ahead of ‘Restart a Heart Day’

The Mayor of Bognor Regis has visited the headquarters of the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Charity to hear about its life-saving work.
Appeal for witnesses after serious assaults in Worthing

Police are appealing for witnesses after three men were taken to hospital following serious assaults in Worthing.
News Havant Neighbourhood Policing Team wins Tilley Awards at National Problem Solving Conference

Police in Havant have received national recognition for their work in reducing anti-social behaviour and youth violence at a local shopping centre.
Culture Spark brings live theatre to communities across Chichester District

Hundreds of children and adults across Chichester have enjoyed live theatre over the past month thanks to a cultural partnership in the city.
Family of Forest Row couple jailed in Iran await verdict within days

The family of a Forest Row couple being held in Iran on spying charges say they are bracing themselves for a verdict and possible sentencing within days.
Work begins on major new sea defences in Southsea

Around a million tonnes of shingle will be added to the beach between the Pyramids and Eastney to help reduce wave energy and protect homes and businesses from storm damage. The project will double the beach’s width, creating stronger natural defences.