A man who fell from a hot air balloon during a pleasure flight died of multiple injuries, an inquest hearing was told.Jesus Lato Garzon, 33, fell from the balloon in front of horrified passengers and landed in a field.He had recently quit his job at one of Britain's top hotels telling colleagues: 'I need to think about my life.’It is thought he intentionally took his own life.An inquest was told the 33-year-old, who lived in Watford, had also been working as a lifeguard at the time of his death.A post mortem examination showed he died from multiple injuries consistent with a fall from a height.The coroner is to investigate whether Mr Garzon, who was single, had been in touch with mental health services before his tragic death 12 days ago.Coroner Joanne Andrews said as well as contacting mental health services, they would also seek his GP records and a full medical background.Mr Garzon had paid for his own ticket to ride in the balloon, which was similar to this one The 33-year-old 'climbed out' of a hot air balloon and plunged to his death in West Sussex last FridayThey will also contact his family in Spain to ascertain any relevant information concerning his death and carry out toxicology tests to find out whether he had taken any drugs, alcohol or other medication.His father was named as Francisco Javier Lato Nogales and his uncle as Fernando Garzon Cubillana.They informed the coroner they did not wish to attend the hearing in Brighton this morning.Mr Garzon worked in room service at The Grove, a five-star country retreat in Hertfordshire popular with celebrities, but he resigned mid-shift earlier this month.Mr Garzon was originally from Seville in southern Spain and had been working at the hotel and health spa for the last five years.He was reported to have fallen from the balloon at about 9.20am last Friday near Newpound Common, Wisborough Green, West Sussex, after paying for a ticket on the Virgin Balloons Flight ride.The horrifying moment was captured on video during the trip, which saw 15 fellow passengers and a pilot witness the tragedy.His body was found in a field following a huge four-hour search using drones, officers and dogs.Mr Garzon had worked at The Grove hotel (pictured) in Watford, Hertfordshire for five years before abruptly quitting in JulyColleagues at The Grove, where rooms start at £400-a-night, paid tribute today.One said: 'He was a nice guy, a hard worker and good at what he did.'It's a massive shock because he always seemed to be a positive person, someone who wouldn't ever give up. But I guess you never know what's really on someone's mind.'He quit earlier this month. He'd left in the middle of a shift and told other colleagues "I need to go away and think about my life". Everyone assumed he meant that he was going to do something different with his time… not this.'I found him a little intense but in a good way. He was interesting to talk you, I enjoyed his company.'He had family in Seville in Spain. He'd take sabbaticals to go and see them for a few months and come back to the UK.'Before the pandemic, Jesus worked in the health spa and pool as a lifeguard but in more recent years he was working in room service attending to guests.'I didn't see him out socially, he was a very private guy and I don't think he went out all that much. He liked to go running and keep fit.’
Man who fell to death from hot air balloon died of multiple injuries
Jesus Lato Garzon, 33, fell from the balloon in front of horrified passengers and landed in a field after recently quitting his job at one of Britain's top hotels.
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