Jesus Lato Garzon, 33, from Watford, fell to his death from a Virgin Balloon Flights hot air balloon on September 19, 2025, near Newpound Common in Wisborough Green, West Sussex, England. The incident occurred at approximately 9:20 a.m. during a flight from Billingshurst to Dunsfold, Surrey, with 16 passengers and one pilot aboard.
Garzon’s body was discovered in a nearby field following an extensive four-hour search operation conducted by Sussex Police using drones, officers, and search dogs. The search concluded at approximately 2:00 p.m. when his remains were located adjacent to the A272.
According to the Commercial Ballooning Association, the entire incident was captured on the flight’s video recording and subsequently submitted to the police. Multiple sources indicate Garzon had purchased the balloon ride experience himself and appeared to have intentionally climbed out of the basket while the balloon was at altitude.
An inquest into Garzon’s death opened at West Sussex Coroner’s Court on September 30, 2025. Area Coroner Joanne Andrews confirmed she was satisfied this constituted an unnatural death. Coroner officer Kelly Truss reported that following an external examination, the cause of death was determined to be multiple injuries consistent with a fall from height.
Detective Sergeant Elaine Keating confirmed that authorities are not treating Garzon’s death as suspicious and stated that officers are “completing an investigation on behalf of the coroner.” Suicide has been suggested by sources but not confirmed by authorites.
Garzon, originally from Seville, Spain, had worked for five years in room service at The Grove, a luxury five-star hotel and spa in Hertfordshire. However, he abruptly resigned from his position earlier in September, leaving mid-shift and telling colleagues he needed to think about his life. The hotel, popular with celebrities and Premier League footballers, confirmed they were supporting team members who knew Garzon.
Former colleagues described Garzon as a positive person and a hard worker who seemed unlikely to give up. One coworker recalled a particularly eerie detail from the previous summer when hot air balloon experiences were offered to hotel staff. The colleague mentioned considering the balloon ride, but Garzon reportedly expressed strong reluctance, telling him he would never get in one of those aircraft due to his fear of heights.
Before the pandemic, Garzon had worked as a lifeguard at the hotel’s health spa and pool area before transitioning to room service duties. Colleagues noted he was a private individual who enjoyed running and maintaining his fitness. He periodically took sabbaticals to visit family members in Spain before returning to work in the United Kingdom.
Police conducted a search of Garzon’s ground-floor flat in a terraced house near central Watford on the weekend following the incident. Neighbors reported seeing officers arrive with the landlord and spend approximately 15 minutes examining the property.
The coroner has instructed officers to obtain comprehensive documentation, including the police report, medical summaries, and family statements describing any concerns relevant to the death. Andrews also indicated there would be inquiries to determine if Garzon had been known to mental health services. Family members, including his father Francisco Javier Lato Nogales and uncle Fernando Garzon Cubillana, will be listed as interested persons when the inquest resumes.
Virgin Balloon Flights issued a statement expressing deep sadness about the incident and extending thoughts to Garzon’s family. The company indicated they are deeply mindful of the experience of all passengers involved and emphasized that passenger well-being remains a priority. They requested that privacy be respected while cooperating fully with investigating authorities.
The Virgin Balloon Flights website indicates the company operates flights from its backup site in Dunsfold for excursions over the North and South Downs. The tragic incident has prompted authorities to provide specialist support to Garzon’s family members and other passengers who witnessed the fall.
The full inquest hearing has been scheduled to resume on December 8, 2025, where additional evidence and testimony will be presented to determine the complete circumstances surrounding Garzon’s death.