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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
World
Rod Minchin, PA & Steven Smith

Pilot killed in balloon crash 'took one last flight, doing what he loved'

Tributes have been paid to a pilot who died when his hot air balloon crashed. Peter Gregory, 25, was killed in the incident on Sunday morning.

Mr Gregory's family said he was a passionate balloonist who "took one last flight, doing what he loved" when he died. In a statement released by West Mercia Police, his family said: "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 & Emma."

Mr Gregory's death is being investigated by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). Emergency services attended Holt Fleet Road in Ombersley after receiving a call that a hot air balloon had fallen to the ground near the village of Ombersley, Worcestershire.

The British Balloon and Airship Club (BBAC) said it was aware of the incident.

"The AAIB have been informed and supported by the BBAC, will be investigating the circumstances," a statement said. "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved at this time."

This weekend marked the first Worcestershire Balloon Festival, which took place on June 23 and 24 at Worcester Racecourse, around 6.8 miles from the site of the accident. Organisers said the accident was not related to the festival.

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