Body found in residential garden after passenger jumps from hot air balloon over Zundert

A passenger allegedly jumped from a hot air balloon over Zundert on Saturday evening, prompting a large emergency response and a search that ended with the discovery of the victim’s body in a residential garden, de Gelderlander reports. The balloon incident and the subsequent recovery of the body occurred near Sporthal Onder de Mast, according to police.

Emergency services, including multiple ambulances, a trauma helicopter, a fire brigade ladder truck, and police units, rushed to the area around 8:30 p.m. after the balloon operator raised an alarm that someone had jumped from the balloon.

Search teams combed the area around Sporthal Onder de Mast in Noord-Brabant. Shortly afterward, the body of the victim was located in the garden of a home near the sports hall. The search drew significant attention from local residents gathered nearby.

Zundert Mayor Joyce Vermue said in a Facebook message that her thoughts and condolences are with the victim’s family and the balloon operator. She also announced that a gathering will be held on Sunday late afternoon for those who feel the need to mourn together.

“I can well imagine that many residents witnessed the incident,” Vermue wrote. “The weather is nice, many people are outside, and when a balloon passes over our village, we also look up.” She added that victim support services are available for anyone in need.