Man dies after falling from Virgin Balloon Flights balloon in West Sussex
Police say death is not suspicious; Virgin Balloon Flights cooperating with authorities as inquiry continues near Billingshurst.
A 33-year-old man from Hertfordshire died after falling from a Virgin Balloon Flights hot air balloon near Billingshurst, West Sussex, on Friday morning. Emergency services were called to Newpound Common in Wisborough Green at about 09:20 BST after reports a person had fallen from the craft. The body was recovered from a field at about 13:50, and police said the death was not being treated as suspicious.
The balloon was carrying 16 passengers and one pilot and had been traveling from Billingshurst toward Dunsfold in Surrey when the incident occurred. Virgin Balloon Flights said it is cooperating with authorities and providing support to those affected as investigators examine what happened.
A Virgin Balloon Flights spokesperson said the company is working closely with the authorities and that passenger wellbeing remains a priority. The company expressed sympathy to the family and asked for privacy as investigators proceed. Det Sgt Elaine Keating of the West Sussex Police described the incident as tragic and said officers are offering specialist support to the family and everyone on board; investigators have said there is no indication of foul play as they review flight logs and safety records as part of the inquiry.
The police noted the investigation is ongoing and will examine how the man came to fall from the balloon, along with safety procedures and flight records. Officials emphasized that the public is not at risk and that the inquiry focuses on understanding events surrounding the fall and any safety implications for future operations.