Devastating injuries of man who plunged to death from hot air balloon

Jesus Lato Garzon, from Watford, was among 16 passengers and a pilot on the Virgin balloon flight from Billingshurst, West Sussex, to Dunsfold, Surrey when he fell at about 9.20am on September 19

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A man who fell from a Virgin Balloons Flight in front of horrified passengers died from "multiple injuries," an inquest has heard.

Jesus Lato Garzon, from Watford, was among 16 passengers and a pilot on the Virgin balloon flight from Billingshurst, West Sussex, to Dunsfold, Surrey, when he fell at about 9.20am on September 19.

It took police four desperate hours to find his body after the fall, with dogs, drones and extra officers drafted in to search. His body was eventually found in a field nearby.

An inquest into the death opened at West Sussex Coroner's Court on Tuesday. A post-mortem examination showed he died from devastating injuries consistent with a fall from a height.

Garzon, who had worked in room service at a top five-star hotel called The Retreat in Hertfordshire, had recently quit his job, telling friends at the hotel that he 'needed to think about his life'.

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Colleagues at The Grove described Mr Garzon as a “nice guy” and a “hard worker.” One of his former co-workers at the £400-a-night resort described him as a "positive person" and "someone who wouldn't ever give up".

The unnamed colleague told MailOnline he made a remark about hot air balloons a year before his death.

"I find it strange, though, that he went up in a hot air balloon," they said. "Last summer, hot air balloon trips were offered by the hotel to guests and then later staff. I mentioned that I might go for it but Jesus shook his head and told me 'you'll never get me in one of those - I don't like heights'."

Police said his death was not being treated as suspicious. Detective Sergeant Elaine Keating said: "This is a tragic incident and our thoughts go to the family of the man and everyone on the flight.

"We are offering them specialist support at this time. The man's death is not being treated as suspicious and we are completing an investigation on behalf of the coroner."

A Virgin Balloon Flights spokesperson said they were "deeply saddened" to hear of the 33-year-old's death. It said: "We are deeply saddened to confirm that a passenger incident occurred on Friday morning.

"Our thoughts are first and foremost with the individual's family at this incredibly difficult time. We are also deeply mindful of the experience of all passengers involved, and their wellbeing and peace of mind remain a priority.

"We kindly ask that privacy is respected, as the welfare and safety of our passengers and the public is always our utmost concern."

For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org , visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.