Man killed in Ombersley hot air balloon crash named

A 25-year-old man who died in a hot air balloon accident has been named as Peter Gregory, from the Cotswolds.

Police were called after a hot air balloon fell to the ground in a field off Holt Fleet Road, near the A449 at Ombersley in Worcestershire yesterday (Sunday, 25 June). The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning.

West Mercia Police confirmed that it had received calls of the aircraft coming down at 6.20am, as emergency services rushed to the scene.

In a touching tribute, Peter’s family said: “Peter Gregory,25 years of living life to the full. On the morning of Sunday 25th June, 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 & Emma.”

The circumstances surrounding the incident are being invested by the Air Accident Investigation Branch; and while specialist family liaison officers are supporting the family there is no other police involvement. A statement from the Air Accident Investigation Branch said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved at this time.”

It comes around the time that the Worcester Balloon Festival was hosted in the region, which took place on Friday and Saturday located seven-miles away from the accident. Organisers responded: “There was an incident this morning, under investigation, it wasn’t the festival and it was independent. The festival finished last night, it was not connected to the festival.”

This weekend saw hundreds enjoying the first ever Worcester Balloon Festival at the city’s racecourse. The event was cancelled last month due to bad weather and was rearranged to take place from Friday to Saturday evening. It is unclear if the balloon which crashed had taken part in the festival. An event spokesperson said: “There was an incident this morning, under investigation, it wasn’t the festival it was independent. The festival finished last night, it was not connected to the festival.”