Man Falls to His Death After Allegedly ‘Climbing Out’ of Hot Air Balloon Mid-Air

A U.K. man has died after plunging to his death from a hot air balloon.

Sussex Police were called to a scene at around 9:20 a.m. to investigate reports that a man had fallen during a hot air balloon ride at Newpound Common in Wisborough Green in West Sussex, according to The Standard, the BBC and The Telegraph.

Officers searched for the man — identified as a 33-year-old from Hertfordshire — in the area with drones, search teams and K-9 units. They recovered his body from a field at around 1:50 p.m., per The Standard.

Virgin Balloon Flights, which was the company that the man had been flying with, confirmed to PEOPLE that “a passenger incident occurred” on Friday, Sept. 19, and that it was “deeply saddened” by the event.

“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,” the company said in a statement to PEOPLE. 

“We are working closely with, and fully supporting, the relevant authorities as they carry out their investigation,” the company added.

Police said, per the BBC, that the man had been with a group of 16 people and a pilot that had been onboard a hot air balloon traveling about 11 miles from Billingshurst to Dunsfold in Surrey. 

“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,” said Detective Sergeant Elaine Keating, per the BBC.

Police said to the outlets that the death was not being treated as suspicious and they were investigating the incident “on behalf of the coroner,” per the LiverPool Echo.

Jon Rudoni, chairman of the U.K.’s Commercial Ballooning Association (CBA) told The Standard in a statement that they were aware of the incident.

“It would appear that a passenger took their own life by climbing out the basket whilst at height,” the Rudoni said. 

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“The entire event has been captured on the flight video and submitted to the police,” Rudoni added. “Clearly, our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the deceased. We also extend our support to the pilot, crew and other passengers concerned.”

PEOPLE reached out to Sussex Police and the CBA for comment on Saturday, Sept. 20, but did not receive immediate responses.