‌An inquest into the death opened at West Sussex Coroner's Court on Tuesday. The unnamed colleague told MailOnline he made a remark about hot air balloons a year before his death. "I find it strange, though, that he went up in a hot air balloon," they said. "Last summer, hot air balloon trips were offered by the hotel to guests and then later staff. A Virgin Balloon Flights spokesperson said they were "deeply saddened" to hear of the 33-year-old's death.