Skydiver who fell to her death did not have a broken parachute, inquest hears

Telegraph

22-05-2025

A skydiver's parachute was not broken when she fell to her death, an inquest hearing was told.
Marketing manager Jade Damarell, 32, died after crashing onto farmland near Fleming Field, Shotton Colliery, County Durham on April 27.
Coroner's officer Alexis Blighe was told 'there was no reason to suspect equipment failure' at a brief inquest opening hearing in Crook, County Durham. The court heard that Ms Damarell was born in Kowloon, Hong Kong, and lived in Caerphilly, Wales.
Ms Blighe said: 'I understand the circumstances to be that Ms Damarell was involved in a parachute incident on April 27.'
According to a post-mortem examination carried out by Dr James Henry at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, she had died as a result of 'blunt trauma'. Ms Blighe said the body was identified by Bryn Chaffe who was chief instructor at the skydiving firm she used.
Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield asked Ms Blighe: 'There's no reason to suspect equipment failure?'
Ms Blighe replied: 'No reason at all.'
Mr Chipperfield adjourned the full inquest until Aug 21.
It has been previously reported that Ms Damarell was a highly experienced skydiver. Following her death, Sky-High Skydiving said: 'It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place involving a valued member of our community.'
It was previously reported that Ms Damarell had been living in lodgings in Shotton since the end of last year, renting a double bed in a house used by skydivers staying over in the village.
She had been living with a man she described to friends as her 'boyfriend'. One friend said: 'She had been staying in the digs since the end of last year. There are bunk beds for skydivers who come from all over the country to parachute. Jade rented a double room and told us that he was her boyfriend.
'No one is living there now.'
'She was mad for the sport'
Ms Damarell had previously married in 2019, but the pair were said to have become estranged.
Another friend 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.'
A third friend of Ms Damarell said: 'Everyone is devastated and deeply traumatised by what happened because she was very much part of the skydiving community.
'She was mad for the sport. In just the two days before she died, she did 11 jumps. She must have done 80 this year.'
A file has been passed to the coroner, and an inquest will be opened in due course.
In a tribute to their daughter, Ms Damarell's parents Andrew and Elizabeth Samuel said: 'It is with immense sadness that we share the loss of our beloved daughter, Jade. A brilliant, beautiful, brave and truly extraordinary person. A bright, adventurous, free spirit, she lived with immense energy, passion, and love, and touched countless lives with her warmth and kindness.
'Professionally, Jade was exceptionally talented and admired for her creativity and dedication in marketing. Personally, Jade had recently begun training for her pilot's licence and as a keen skydiver, Jade found freedom and purpose.
'Skydiving and its fantastic community meant so much to Jade, and we're incredibly comforted by how admired, respected, and deeply loved she was.
'We miss her beyond words, but Jade's love, brilliance, courage, and light will live on in our family and among all those who knew and loved her. Some stars are so bright, they burn through their time too quickly – but their light never truly fades.
'We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone in the emergency services and the local first responders, as well as the skydiving community. Your care and compassion mean more to us than we can express.
'Lastly, if you are struggling, please reach out. Talk to someone – a friend, loved one, or professional. You are never alone.
'Please respect our family's privacy as we come to terms with this devastating loss.'