THE hot air balloon, carrying the man who tragically “took his own life” after climbing out of the basket, has been pictured.
Virgin Balloons, the flight operator, said it is working with authorities as they carry out their investigation into Friday’s incident.
The passenger is thought to have climbed out of the basket “whilst at height” – triggering an urgent call to emergency services.
Paramedics and police rushed to Newpound Common, in Wisborough Green, West Sussex, at around 9.20am
Pictures of the signature red Virgin hot air balloon show the vessel floating above the trees just minutes before.
Several individuals are vaguely visible in the basket, which cops confirmed was holding 16 people at the time.
An urgent search was launched and officers sadly recovered a body from a nearby field at around 1.50pm.
Cops revealed the man was a 33-year-old from Watford who had paid for the flight experience.
Jon Rudoni, Chairman at the Commercial Ballooning Association, said in a statement: “CBA was informed this morning of a serious incident on a commercial passenger flight today.
“It would appear that a passenger took their own life by climbing out the basket whilst at height.
“The entire event has been captured on the flight video and submitted to the police.
“Clearly, our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the deceased.
“We also extends our support to the pilot, crew and other passengers concerned.”
The balloon had been travelling from Billingshurst to Dunsfold, cops said.
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 spokeswoman for Sussex Police confirmed drones and dogs had been used in the search for the man’s body.
The force said: “Police were called to a report of a man having fallen from a hot air balloon near Newpound Common, Wisborough Green, just after 9.20am on Friday (September 19).
“Following an extensive search the body of a man was sadly found in a field at 1.50pm.
“The search was carried out by neighbourhood officers, police drones, search officers and dogs.
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“Police have yet to formerly identify the man.
“An investigation is taking place as to the circumstances and at this time the incident is not being treated as suspicious.”
A Virgin Balloons Flight spokesperson 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.
“We are working closely with, and fully supporting, the relevant authorities as they carry out their investigation.”
Jon Rudoni has been approached for comment.
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