An inquest has concluded that a man who died after falling from a hot air balloon in Wisborough Green took his own life.
The hearing examined the circumstances surrounding the death of 33-year-old Jesus Lato Garzon, from Watford, who was reported missing in September after he fell from the aircraft during a flight over rural West Sussex.
Emergency services were first alerted when concerns were raised for Mr Lato Garzon’s welfare shortly after the balloon was seen passing over Newpound Common. Witnesses reported that he had fallen from the basket while the balloon was airborne, prompting a major search operation across a wide area of farmland and woodland.
Police units, specially trained search teams, drones and police dogs were deployed as part of the effort to locate him. The search continued into the night and throughout the following morning, covering difficult and remote terrain. After several hours, his body was discovered in farmland not far from where the fall had been reported.
During the inquest, the coroner reviewed evidence from investigators, including flight details, witness accounts and search reports. The coroner ruled that Mr Lato Garzon had intentionally taken his own life, and that no third-party involvement was suspected.
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