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Hot Air Balloon Death: Note Reveals Suicide Intent
8 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Man found with note indicating suicide intent after falling from balloon.
- He waved at a camera moments before exiting the balloon mid-air.
- Incident occurred during a Virgin Balloon flight with 16 passengers.
A tragic incident unfolded during a hot air balloon flight when Jesus Lato Garzon, 33, fell to his death near Wisborough Green, West Sussex. He was found with a note, which indicated his intention to end his life by jumping from the balloon.
Footage from the flight showed Garzon waving at a camera just before he exited the balloon. Passengers had no opportunity to intervene as he left mid-air. His body was later discovered on farmland, having sustained fatal injuries.
The inquest heard that Garzon, from Watford, had not expressed prior mental health concerns to his GP. A spokesperson for Virgin Balloon Flights expressed condolences and emphasized their concern for passenger well-being.
