‘He died doing what he loved’: Family of man killed in hot air balloon crash pays tribute

Pilot named as 25-year-old Peter Gregory, from the Cotswolds

A 25-year-old man who died in a hot air balloon accident has been named as Peter Gregory, from the Cotswolds (West Mercia Police handout)

The family of a 25-year-old man killed in a Worcestershire hot air balloon crash has said he died “doing what he loved”.

Peter Gregory, from the Cotswolds, died when the hot air balloon he was travelling in crashed early on Sunday morning in Ombersley village.

Mr Gregory, who it has been reported was a pilot for Ryanair, is understood to have been flying with his brother Dan when the balloon was seen to become entangled in trees before crashing. There were conflicting reports as to whether or not the hot air balloon burst into flames.

Investigations into the incident are continuing and the balloon has been recovered and taken for further examination. West Mercia Police revealed the identity of deceased on Monday afternoon.

A family statement read: “Peter Gregory, 25 years of living life to the full. On the morning of Sunday, June 25, our Pilot Pete took one last flight, doing what he loved.

“Be it in a hot air balloon or as an airline pilot, Peter’s passion for flying was something his family and friends could only admire and support him towards.

“When he set his heart to something, he’d never give up, he was driven and determined, and one could only watch on in awe. We will fly together again soon Pete.

“We love you, Dan, Mummy, Daddy, and Emma.”

The statemement added: “During this difficult time, please respect the privacy of friends and family.”

A hot air balloon event was taking place nearby but was not connected (PA Archive)

Paul Burrows from the British Balloon and Airship said the death was “a real tragedy”.

“There’s not a great deal that can go wrong with these aircraft, they are the most basic form of flight, but obviously something has gone tragically wrong,” he told the BBC.

“We all need to know what’s happened, we all need to know the causes so we can make sure it doesn’t happen in the future.”

The incident took place after visitors attended the first ever Worcester Balloon Festival at the area’s racecourse, but an event organiser said the crash was not connected.

Police are investigating the crash (stock image) (PA)

There had been reports that the balloon had been engulfed in a fireball before crashing. “Suddenly there was a flash and what looked like a fireball coming from a blue balloon and it just dropped like a stone,” one bystander told The Mirror.

But Mr Burrows was sceptical of these reports adding: “It probably didn’t explode as it has been sensationalised,” he added.

“Another problem with the balloon and the burners have been used to try and sort that out and arrest the descent and that is what people have seen.

“But again it is pure speculation.”

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch said: “Yesterday we were notified of a tragic accident involving a hot air balloon in Ombersley, Worcestershire and sent a team of specialist inspectors to the site to begin an investigation.

“Our team are continuing to make enquiries, interview witnesses and gather evidence to help establish the cause of the accident. The balloon has been recovered and transported to the AAIB headquarters for further examination.”