Skydiver who jumped to her death ‘split with boyfriend day before'
Jade Damarell, 32, a parachutist who had made more than 400 jumps, died instantly after the fall during a jump in Shotton Colliery, County Durham,last month.
According to the Mail, Ms Damarell, from Caerphilly, south Wales, had broken up with her boyfriend the day before going on the jump. She had undertaken more than 80 jumps this year.
The 32-year-old, a marketing manager, had been in a relationship with skydiver Ben Goodfellow, 26, for about six to eight months.
One friend told the newspaper: 'The two of them were inseparable. They spent all their time together, they didn't really engage with anyone else. They did skydives together all the time.'
Another friend claimed a suicide note referencing the break-up had been found by police, saying: 'I know Jade had broken it off with Ben a few times, but the Saturday was the first time he had called it off with her.
'Chose not to open her parachute'
A third friend of Ms Damarell claimed she 'chose not to open her parachute' during the fatal descent. They said: 'This wasn't a skydiving accident. We believe she intended to take her life, sadly. She skydived with someone else, broke off and turned onto her back and impacted. She chose not to open her parachute, and she landed on her back.'
It was originally assumed Ms Damarell's death on April 27 was an accident, but SkyHigh Skydiving later issued a statement saying that her death was suspected to have been 'a deliberate act'.
A spokesman said: 'It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident involving a valued member of our community. All indications from the police and British Skydiving are that this was a deliberate act.
'This heartbreaking news has deeply affected all who knew her, and our thoughts are with her family and friends as they face this unimaginable loss. At this incredibly difficult time, we ask for privacy and compassion for those grieving.'
Police and emergency services were called to Wreford's Farm in Shotton Colliery, where Ms Damarell landed. She was pronounced dead at the scene. One person was believed to have witnessed the incident.
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