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A man who fell from a hot air balloon took his own life, an investigation has concluded.
Jesus Lato Garzon, 33, of Watford, was reported to have fallen at 9.23am on September 19 near Newpound Common, Wisborough Green, West Sussex.
After a search lasting more than four hours, using drones, officers and dogs, his body was found in a nearby field, suffering from “traumatic injuries”.
Assistant coroner Sally Morgan concluded at West Sussex Coroner’s Court in Horsham on Monday that Mr Garzon “intended” to die by suicide when he released the balloon.
The balloon footage shows that it “waved” at the camera mounted in the basket just before it died.
Mr Garzon, who worked as a lifeguard, was among 16 passengers and a pilot who bought flying experience aboard a Virgin Balloon flight from Billingshurst, West Sussex.
The court heard that when he arrived at the airfield at 6.15am he spoke to the pilot, who had “no concerns” about his fitness to fly.
Detective Sergeant Elaine Keating told the coroner: “Everyone knew there was a camera to record the flight, and the pilot asked them to look at the camera to take photos.
“Jesus turned and waved to the camera and then exited the balloon.”
He said he then left the balloon “very quickly”, leaving other passengers “no chance” to stop him.
Mr Garzón’s family members attended the interrogation via video-link from Spain with the assistance of an interpreter in court.
He was described as a “much-loved son, family member and friend” and had not previously expressed any mental health concerns to his GP.
The court heard the balloon was divided into five parts, and Mr Garzon was on board with three other passengers.
After a safety briefing they departed at around 8.45, late due to fog and police had “no concerns” about the safety of the flight.
A note was found with Mr. Garzon’s body, which the coroner found indicated that he had intended to die by suicide.
Mrs Morgan said: “Let me make it clear that it is not the job of this court to determine why Jesus took such action and I am not going to speculate on what was going through his mind at that time.”
After the incident, a Virgin Balloon Flights spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are first and foremost with the man’s family at this incredibly difficult time.
“We also care deeply about the experience of all passengers involved, and their well-being and peace of mind is a priority.
“We kindly ask that privacy be respected, as the welfare and safety of our passengers and the public is always our utmost concern.”
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans in confidence on 116 123 (UK & ROI), email. jo@samaritans.orgor visit Samaria website to get details of your nearest branch. If you live in the United States, and you or someone you know needs mental health support right now, call or text 988, or go to 988lifeline.org To access online chat from 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to anyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go here www.befrienders.org To find a helpline near you