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A man has plunged to his death after falling from a hot air balloon.
His body was discovered in a field near the sleepy village of Wisborough Green in West Sussex at 1.50pm today.
The man was first reported to have fallen from the hot air balloon at 9.20am, sparking a huge four-hour search.
It is understood he was part of a group on a balloon flight from Billingshurst to Dunsfold.
The man is yet to be formally identified but his death is not being treated as suspicious.
He is thought to have taken his own life by climbing out of the balloon’s basket whilst it was in the air.
According to the Commercial Ballooning Association, the incident was captured on the flight video and submitted to police.
Jon Rudoni, chairman of the organisation, said according to The Sun: ‘CBA was informed this morning of a serious incident on a commercial passenger flight today.
Emergency services are pictured at the scene in West Sussex 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.’
Photos from the scene show emergency services searching a field near Newpound Common in the village.
Police said neighbourhood officers, drones and dogs were all involved in the operation.
A spokeswoman for Sussex Police 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.
‘The man had been among a group of people on a balloon flight from Billingshurst to Dunsfold.
‘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.’
The Daily Mail has contacted Jon Wickers and Sussex Police for further comment.
– For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
