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

A man from the U.K. has died after falling from a hot air balloon.

Sussex Police were called 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, West Sussex, according to The Standard, the BBC and The Telegraph.

Police searched for the 33-year-old man from Hertfordshire using drones, search teams, and K-9 units. They found his body in a field at about 1:50 p.m., per The Standard.

Virgin Balloon Flights, the company that operated the ride, told PEOPLE that “a passenger incident occurred” on Friday, Sept. 19, and said 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.

“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 on 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 told news outlets that the death was not being treated as suspicious and that 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 that the organization was aware of the incident.

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

“The entire event has been captured on the flight video and submitted to the police,” he 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.