Latest news with #BenGoodfellow
News.com.au
27-05-2025
- News.com.au
Experienced skydiver dumped by boyfriend night before jumping to her death
The experienced UK skydiver thought to have deliberately jumped to her death last month had been dumped by her boyfriend the night before, according to a new report. Jade Damarell — who had more than 400 successful jumps — was killed instantly during her last skydive on April 27 as she crashed into a farmer's field in County Durham in northeast England. Damarell, 32, was dumped by fellow skydiver Ben Goodfellow, 26, just a day before the fatal jump, the Daily Mail reported. 'The two of them were inseparable,' an anonymous friend told the Daily Mail of the pair, who dated for around eight months. 'They spent all their time together, they didn't really engage with anyone else. They did skydives together all the time.' 'The night before Jade died, Ben called off the relationship,' the friend added. 'He went to work the next day, and that's when Jade fell to her death,' the friend said. The couple had lived together in a double room at a property rented out to parachutists near the airfield for several months, according to the outlet. Goodfellow was also a technician at Nissan and the lead guitarist and vocalist for indie band Post Rome, which cancelled a gig shortly after Damarell's death due to 'unseen circumstances,' the outlet said. Police said Damarell's death is 'not being treated as suspicious' — and the company she jumped with said that 'all indications from the police and British Skydiving are that this was a deliberate act taken to end her own life.' A friend previously told the Daily Mail that 'everyone is devastated and deeply traumatised' by the 32-year-old's death because 'she was very much part of the skydiving community'. 'She was mad for the sport,' the unidentified friend said. 'In just the two days before she died, she did 11 jumps. She must have done 80 this year.' At least one person witnessed Damarell jump to her death, according to the outlet. The local police department, the Durham Constabulary, said: 'Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will now be prepared for the coroner.'
Telegraph
26-05-2025
- Telegraph
Skydiver who jumped to her death ‘split with boyfriend day before'
A skydiver who fell 10,000ft to her death had reportedly split up with her boyfriend shortly before the tragedy. 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.
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Daily Mail
The tragedy behind skydiver, 32, who jumped to her death from 10,000ft
EXCLUSIVE The tragedy behind skydiver, 32, who jumped to her death from 10,000ft For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit or visit A skydiver feared to have taken her own life in a 10,000ft fall from the sky had split with her boyfriend shortly before the tragedy, it's understood. Jade Damarell, 32, an experienced parachutist who had accomplished more than 400 jumps, died instantly after hitting the ground during a jump in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham. Police quickly ruled out any suspicious circumstances and were understood to have discovered notes disclosing her intentions. MailOnline understands that Ms Damarell, from Caerphilly, south Wales, had broken up with her boyfriend the day prior to taking to the skies. She had been in a relationship with Ben Goodfellow, 26, also a keen skydiver, for around six to eight months. The couple had lived together in a double room at a property rented out to parachutists near to the airfield for a number of months. One friend said: '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. Skydiver Jade Damarell, who is feared to have taken her own life in a 10,000ft fall from the sky had split with her boyfriend shortly before the tragedy, it is understood She had been in a relationship with Ben Goodfellow, 26, also a keen skydiver, for around six to eight months The couple had lived together in a double room at a property rented out to parachutists near to the airfield for a number of months 'They had been living in the lodgings since Christmas and had been together a couple more months before that. 'The night before Jade died, Ben called off the relationship. 'He went to work the next day, and that's when Jade fell to her death.' Mr Goodfellow, a technician at car manufacturer Nissan, did not respond to requests for comment. He is also the lead singer and guitarist in Sunderland indie band Post Rome, whose songs have been featured on BBC Introducing. The band cancelled a gig in the wake of the tragedy citing 'unforeseen circumstances'. Initial reports had assumed Ms Damarell's death on April 27 was a tragic accident. But SkyHigh Skydiving later issued a statement saying that her death was suspected to have been 'a deliberate act'. A friend claimed a suicide note was found by police 'referencing the break up' The experienced parachutist died instantly after hitting the ground during a jump in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham An inquest opened into Ms Damarell's death this week heard there was 'no reason to suspect equipment failure'. A friend claimed a suicide note was found by police 'referencing the break up'. They said: '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. 'Ben is a quiet guy - he is absolutely distraught by what has happened.' Ms Damarell, who worked as a marketing manager for Silver Spoon after graduating from Leeds university, had undertaken more than 80 jumps this year. Friends said her parachute did not open as she plunged at speeds of more than 120mph. In a statement, Ms Damarell's mother Liz and father Andrew paid tribute to their 'beloved daughter'. They said: 'It is with immense sadness that we share the loss of our beloved daughter, Jade. Police quickly ruled out any suspicious circumstances Initial reports had assumed Ms Damarell¿s death on April 27 was a tragic accident. Pictured: Jade Damarell with her parents Liz and Andrew SkyHigh Skydiving later issued a statement saying that her death was suspected to have been 'a deliberate act' An inquest opened into Ms Damarell's death this week heard there was 'no reason to suspect equipment failure' '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.' The tribute continued: '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 extent 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.' Police and emergency services were called to Wreford's Farm in Shotton Colliery, where she landed, but Jade was pronounced dead at the scene. One person - a fellow skydiver - was believed to have witnessed the horror. Friend Danni Willis, who worked at SkyHigh Skydiving described Ms Damarell as 'a beautiful girl inside and out'. She had previously been married to a Leeds-based lawyer but was said to have divorced. SkyHigh Skydiving confirmed the death in a statement, claiming 'all indications' from police were that 'this was a deliberate act'. A spokesman said: 'It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place on 28 April, 2025, 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.' A friend of Ms Damarell, who was born in Hong Kong, claimed she 'chose not to open her parachute' during the fatal descent. Ms Damarell, who worked as a marketing manager for Silver Spoon after graduating from Leeds university, had undertaken more than 80 jumps this year Friends said her parachute did not open as she plunged at speeds of more than 120mph 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. 'Everyone is devastated and deeply traumatised by what happened because she was very much part of the skydiving community. 'She was mad for it. In the two days before she died, she did 11 jumps. She must have done 80 this year.' SkyHigh Skydiving confirmed the death in a statement and said that they had been given 'all indications' from police that 'this was a deliberate act'. A spokesman said: 'It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place on 28 April 2025 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.' The centre added: 'If you are struggling or in emotional distress, please know that you are not alone. Support is available. We urge anyone in crisis to speak to someone or reach out to a mental health professional. Even in the darkest moments, there is help and hope.' An inquest into the circumstances of her death was opened and adjourned at Crook Coroners's Court, Co. Durham, on Thursday. During a short two-minute hearing, area coroner Jeremy Chipperfield heard how there was 'no reason to suspect equipment failure'. Coroner's officer Alexis Blighe said the provisional cause of Ms Damarell's death was listed as 'blunt trauma'. Ms Blighe said: 'This 32-year-old female was born on October 6, 1992, at Kowloon, Hong Kong. 'Her last employment status and occupation was a marketing manager. 'She died on April 27, 2025, on farmland near Fleming Field, Shotton Colliery, Co Durham. 'I understand the circumstances to be that Ms Damarell was involved in a parachute incident on April 27, 2025. 'On May 2, 2025, Dr James Henry conducted a post-mortem examination at Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary mortuary and gave cause of death as follows: 1a) blunt trauma.' The inquest was told that Ms Damarell's body was identified by Bryn Chaffe, the chief instructor at the skydiving club. Mr Chipperfield adjourned the inquest to August 21. Mr Goodfellow, of Sunderland, did not respond to requests to comment. - For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit or visit
The Sun
26-05-2025
- The Sun
Skydiver feared to have taken her own life after jumping 10,000ft from plane ‘had split with boyfriend before tragedy'
A TRAGIC skydiver is feared to have taken her own life jumping 10,000ft from a plane the day after splitting from her boyfriend. Jade Damarell, 32, died instantly after hitting the ground in Peterlee, County Durham, on April 27 earlier this year. 7 7 7 An inquest heard there were no signs of equipment failure but Jade's parachute never opened. Her skydiving club, Sky-High Skydiving, later said the horror appeared to be 'a deliberate act'. Durham Constabulary ruled out any third party involvement, and there was no suggestion of any wrongdoing or negligence by the skydiving centre. It has now emerged letters were left behind by Jade which suggested she intended to take her own life. As reported by MailOnline, Jade had broken up with her boyfriend Ben Goodfellow, 26, the day before her death. Mr Goodfellow, who was also a skydiving enthusiast, had been in a relationship with the 32-year-old for around eight months. A friend said dubbed the pair "inseparable" and claimed they "spent all their time together". They had been living together in a lodge on the skydiving site since Christmas. "The night before Jade died, they called off the relationship," claimed the source. "He went to work the next day, and that's when Jade fell to her death." Mr Goodfellow, a car technician and musician in the band Post Rome, has not spoken on the tragedy but cancelled performances due to "unforeseen circumstances". The source added how he is "absolutely distraught" by Jade's death. Coroner's officer Alexis Blighe said Jade's provisional cause of the skydiver's death was listed as "blunt trauma". Crook Coroners's Court heard Jade's body was identified by Bryn Chaffe, the chief instructor at Ms Damarell's skydiving club. 7 7 7 Area coroner Jeremy Chipperfield adjourned the full inquest until August 21. The tragedy unfolded on April 27 as Jade, who had completed more than 400 jumps, hit the ground at Wrefords' Farm. Nigel Wreford, 56, who works on farm nearby, previously said: 'I've been told by quite a few people that she knew what she was doing — she had apparently left a suicide note.' While a friend said at the time: 'This wasn't an accident. We believe she intended to take her life, sadly." Jade studied marketing at university in Leeds before marrying solicitor James Damarell in 2019. It was previously reported they lived in Yorkshire but are believed to have separated, with Jade later moving into rented accommodation used skydivers in Peterlee. You're Not Alone EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You're Not Alone. If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: Jade's family paid tribute following her death and called her a "brilliant, beautiful, brave and truly extraordinary person". They said professionally, she was "exceptionally talented" and had found "freedom and purpose" with her skydiving. The family added: "A bright, adventurous, free spirit, she lived with immense energy, passion, and love, and touched countless lives with her warmth and kindness. "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." If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123. 7
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE The tragedy behind skydiver, 32, who jumped to her death from 10,000ft
A skydiver feared to have taken her own life in a 10,000ft fall from the sky had split with her boyfriend shortly before the tragedy, it's understood. Jade Damarell, 32, an experienced parachutist who had accomplished more than 400 jumps, died instantly after hitting the ground during a jump in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham. Police quickly ruled out any suspicious circumstances and were understood to have discovered notes disclosing her intentions. MailOnline understands that Ms Damarell, from Caerphilly, south Wales, had broken up with her boyfriend the day prior to taking to the skies. She had been in a relationship with Ben Goodfellow, 26, also a keen skydiver, for around six to eight months. The couple had lived together in a double room at a property rented out to parachutists near to the airfield for a number of months. One friend said: '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. 'They had been living in the lodgings since Christmas and had been together a couple more months before that. 'The night before Jade died, Ben called off the relationship. 'He went to work the next day, and that's when Jade fell to her death.' Mr Goodfellow, a technician at car manufacturer Nissan, did not respond to requests for comment. He is also the lead singer and guitarist in Sunderland indie band Post Rome, whose songs have been featured on BBC Introducing. The band cancelled a gig in the wake of the tragedy citing 'unforeseen circumstances'. Initial reports had assumed Ms Damarell's death on April 27 was a tragic accident. But SkyHigh Skydiving later issued a statement saying that her death was suspected to have been 'a deliberate act'. An inquest opened into Ms Damarell's death this week heard there was 'no reason to suspect equipment failure'. A friend claimed a suicide note was found by police 'referencing the break up'. They said: '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. 'Ben is a quiet guy - he is absolutely distraught by what has happened.' Ms Damarell, who worked as a marketing manager for Silver Spoon after graduating from Leeds university, had undertaken more than 80 jumps this year. Friends said her parachute did not open as she plunged at speeds of more than 120mph. In a statement, Ms Damarell's mother Liz and father Andrew paid tribute to their 'beloved daughter'. They 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.' The tribute continued: '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 extent 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.' Police and emergency services were called to Wreford's Farm in Shotton Colliery, where she landed, but Jade was pronounced dead at the scene. One person - a fellow skydiver - was believed to have witnessed the horror. Friend Danni Willis, who worked at SkyHigh Skydiving described Ms Damarell as 'a beautiful girl inside and out'. She had previously been married to a Leeds-based lawyer but was said to have divorced. SkyHigh Skydiving confirmed the death in a statement, claiming 'all indications' from police were that 'this was a deliberate act'. A spokesman said: 'It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place on 28 April, 2025, 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.' A friend of Ms Damarell, who was born in Hong Kong, 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. 'Everyone is devastated and deeply traumatised by what happened because she was very much part of the skydiving community. 'She was mad for it. In the two days before she died, she did 11 jumps. She must have done 80 this year.' SkyHigh Skydiving confirmed the death in a statement and said that they had been given 'all indications' from police that 'this was a deliberate act'. A spokesman said: 'It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place on 28 April 2025 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.' The centre added: 'If you are struggling or in emotional distress, please know that you are not alone. Support is available. We urge anyone in crisis to speak to someone or reach out to a mental health professional. Even in the darkest moments, there is help and hope.' An inquest into the circumstances of her death was opened and adjourned at Crook Coroners's Court, Co. Durham, on Thursday. During a short two-minute hearing, area coroner Jeremy Chipperfield heard how there was 'no reason to suspect equipment failure'. Coroner's officer Alexis Blighe said the provisional cause of Ms Damarell's death was listed as 'blunt trauma'. Ms Blighe said: 'This 32-year-old female was born on October 6, 1992, at Kowloon, Hong Kong. 'Her last employment status and occupation was a marketing manager. 'She died on April 27, 2025, on farmland near Fleming Field, Shotton Colliery, Co Durham. 'I understand the circumstances to be that Ms Damarell was involved in a parachute incident on April 27, 2025. 'On May 2, 2025, Dr James Henry conducted a post-mortem examination at Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary mortuary and gave cause of death as follows: 1a) blunt trauma.' The inquest was told that Ms Damarell's body was identified by Bryn Chaffe, the chief instructor at the skydiving club. Mr Chipperfield adjourned the inquest to August 21.
