| Man dies after falling from hot air balloon - West Sussex, 19 Sep 2025 Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:16, 19th September 2025 |     |
From the BBC:
A man has died after falling from a hot air balloon in West Sussex.
Emergency services were called to a report of a man having fallen from a hot air balloon at Newpound Common in Wisborough Green, near Billingshurst, at about 09:20 BST on Friday.
The body of a man, who has not yet been formally identified, was found in a field at 13:50, Sussex Police said.
Police said officers were investigating the incident, but it was not being treated as suspicious."
The man was with a group of people in the hot air balloon at the time, which was travelling from Billingshurst to Dunsfold in Surrey, police added.
| Re: Man dies after falling from hot air balloon - West Sussex, 19 Sep 2025 Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:35, 20th September 2025 | |
An update, from the BBC:
Man, 33, fell from Virgin hot air balloon
A hot air balloon from which a man fell and died in West Sussex was being operated by Virgin, the company has confirmed.
Emergency services were called to a report of a man having fallen from the balloon at Newpound Common in Wisborough Green, near Billingshurst, at about 09:20 BST on Friday.
The body of the 33-year-old, from Hertfordshire, was found in a field at 13:50. Police said officers were investigating but it was not being treated as suspicious.
A spokesperson for Virgin Balloon Flights said it was "working closely with, and fully supporting, the relevant authorities as they carry out their investigation".
The man was with a group of 16 people and a pilot in the hot air balloon, which had been travelling from Billingshurst to Dunsfold in Surrey.
The Virgin spokesperson said: "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."
Det Sgt 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."
A hot air balloon from which a man fell and died in West Sussex was being operated by Virgin, the company has confirmed.
Emergency services were called to a report of a man having fallen from the balloon at Newpound Common in Wisborough Green, near Billingshurst, at about 09:20 BST on Friday.
The body of the 33-year-old, from Hertfordshire, was found in a field at 13:50. Police said officers were investigating but it was not being treated as suspicious.
A spokesperson for Virgin Balloon Flights said it was "working closely with, and fully supporting, the relevant authorities as they carry out their investigation".
The man was with a group of 16 people and a pilot in the hot air balloon, which had been travelling from Billingshurst to Dunsfold in Surrey.
The Virgin spokesperson said: "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."
Det Sgt 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."
